ANESTHESIOLOGY FAST REVIEW

ANESTHESIOLOGY_FAST_REVIEWKAPAK1-0-25

POSTOPERATIVE PROBLEMS AND SOLUTIONS

Gökhan Kılınç1
Mahmut Dinler2

1Health Sciences University, Balıkesir Atatürk City Hospital, Department of Anesthesiology and Reanimation, Balıkesir, Türkiye
2Health Sciences University, Balıkesir Atatürk City Hospital, Department of Anesthesiology and Reanimation, Balıkesir, Türkiye

Kılınç G, Dinler M. Postoperative Problems and Solutions. In: Kazancı D, editor. Anesthesiology Fast Review. 1st ed. Ankara: Türkiye Klinikleri; 2025. p.481-494.

ABSTRACT

  • Postoperative complications in the post-anesthesia care unit (PACU) remain a significant problem, affecting patient outcomes and healthcare costs.
  • Respiratory complications, including hypoxemia, atelectasis, and airway obstruction, occur in 5-10% of patients.
  • Cardiovascular problems such as hypotension, hypertension, and arrhythmias affect 5-15% of patients.
  • Postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) occur in up to 30% of patients despite prophylaxis.
  • Postoperative delirium occurs in 15-25% of cases, particularly in elderly patients.
  • Inadequate pain management is reported in 30-40% of patients.
  • Hypothermia occurs in up to 50% of patients and increases the risk of surgical site infection and coagulopathy.
  • Postoperative cognitive dysfunction can have long-lasting effects, especially in elderly patients.
  • Rare but serious complications such as malignant hyperthermia and acute stroke require immediate recognition and specialized management.
  • Optimizing care in the PACU requires a multidisciplinary approach, focusing on risk assessment, preventive strategies, early detection, and prompt management of complications.

Keywords: Postanesthesia; Postanesthetic care; Complications

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