Surgery Definition - What are the causes of pyrexia post operative?
The common causes of pyrexia / fever are infection from the wound, pulmonary embolism, atelectasis, deep vein thrombosis, phlebitis due to central line or cannula and urinary tract infection as a result of catheter.
The investigation needed post operative pyrexia may include full blood count, urea and electrolytes, CRP ( c reactive protein), arterial blood gasses, D dimers and blood cultures. Swabs of the wound is taken as well as bodily fluid such as urine and sputum may be considered for microscopy and culture study. Chest x ray and venous Doppler USS of the calves may also be considered.
During the first 24 hours pyrexia is associated with normal systemic / physiology response of the body to the surgery.During the first to three days pyrexia may be linked with pneumonia / atelectasis and during day 4 to 7, pyrexia is associated with urinary tract infection, sepsis, anastomotic dehiscence and infection of the wound. Pulmonary embolism and deep vein thrombosis are common during day 7 to 10 post surgery.
The treatment of pyrexia may include, supply of oxygen, fluid and intravenous antibiotic such as cefuroxime with metronidazole or co amoxiclav. Any underlying causes are treated.
The investigation needed post operative pyrexia may include full blood count, urea and electrolytes, CRP ( c reactive protein), arterial blood gasses, D dimers and blood cultures. Swabs of the wound is taken as well as bodily fluid such as urine and sputum may be considered for microscopy and culture study. Chest x ray and venous Doppler USS of the calves may also be considered.
During the first 24 hours pyrexia is associated with normal systemic / physiology response of the body to the surgery.During the first to three days pyrexia may be linked with pneumonia / atelectasis and during day 4 to 7, pyrexia is associated with urinary tract infection, sepsis, anastomotic dehiscence and infection of the wound. Pulmonary embolism and deep vein thrombosis are common during day 7 to 10 post surgery.
The treatment of pyrexia may include, supply of oxygen, fluid and intravenous antibiotic such as cefuroxime with metronidazole or co amoxiclav. Any underlying causes are treated.
