Atrial fibrillation or irregular heart beat is a
common abnormal rhythm we encounter after
surgery. Atrial fibrillation may be severe enough
to impair the hearts ability to pump blood
properly and result in very low blood pressure. If
this rhythm continues it may cause blood clots to
form in the heart that can then go to the brain
resulting in a stroke. Blood clots can travel to
other organs in the body and impair blood flow. Other abnormal heart rhythms may occur but
are less common. You will be monitored very closely by our skilled staff and treatment for
these rhythms will be started as soon as possible.
Pleural effusions:
After surgery fluid can collect around the
lungs making it difficult to breath.
Typically the body will absorb most of the
fluid but at times intervention is required
and a procedure called thoracentesis may
be performed. The area on your back will
be numbed, a needle is inserted and fluid
will be drained. In the event there is a
large amount of fluid, a small tube is
inserted, once all the fluid is removed, the tube is also removed.
Blood clots:
In general, surgery increases the risk for the development of
blood clots in the legs that can travel to the lungs resulting in a
pulmonary embolism. To prevent this we ensure that patients
are on the proper blood thinning medications when appropriate
and are out of bed and walking as soon as it is deemed safe.
Infection:
There are many factors that increase the risk of developing an infection after surgery. Patients
with poorly controlled diabetes have a higher risk for developing infections after surgery. Good
blood sugar control after surgery is very important in decreasing the risk of infection after
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