Postoperative arrhythmias in general surgical patients.
BACKGROUND
New-onset arrhythmias are a common problem in cardiothoracic surgery. They are also common following major non-cardiac surgery. This review examines the available literature to establish the incidence and significance of new-onset arrhythmias following major non-cardiothoracic surgery.


METHODS
A literature search was performed using the Medline and Pubmed databases using the terms 'post-operative arrhythmia', 'peri-operative arrhythmia', 'atrial fibrillation/flutter', 'supraventricular arrhythmia/tachycardia', 'cardiac complications' and 'non-cardiothoracic surgery'. Articles were cross-referenced for additional relevant publications and reviewed for data regarding new-onset arrhythmias following major non-cardiothoracic surgery.


RESULTS
There was considerable heterogeneity in the literature regarding cardiac monitoring, types of arrhythmias considered and potential associations investigated, thus hindering interpretation. The available data suggest that new-onset arrhythmias affect about 7% of patients following major non-cardiothoracic surgery. These arrhythmias are often associated with other underlying complications.
Walsh
Stewart R
SR
Cambridge Vascular Research Unit, Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge, UK.
Tang
Tjun
T
Wijewardena
Chandana
C
Yarham
Sahah I
SI
Boyle
Jonathan R
JR
Gaunt
Michael E
ME
D001145:Arrhythmias, Cardiac / Q000209:etiology* / Q000628:therapy; D006801:Humans; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000209:etiology* / Q000628:therapy; D011300:Preoperative Care; D011379:Prognosis; D012307:Risk Factors; D013514:Surgical Procedures, Operative