Management of postoperative complications: general approach.
The goal of postoperative management is to promote early mobility and avoid postoperative complications, recognizing the potentially devastating impact of complications on elderly patients with hip fracture. The recommended approach involves early mobilization; freedom from tethers (indwelling urinary catheters and other devices); effective pain control; treating malnutrition; preventing pressure ulcers; reducing risk for pulmonary, urinary, and wound infections; and managing cognition. This carefully structured and patient-centered management provides older, vulnerable patients their best chance of returning to their previous level of functioning as quickly and safety as possible.
Division of Geriatrics, General Internal Medicine and Palliative Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Arizona College of Medicine, 1501 N. Campbell Avenue, P.O. Box 245036, Tucson, AZ 85724-5036, USA. Electronic address: asanguineti@deptofmed.arizona.edu.
V Ana
VA
Sanguineti
Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Arizona College of Medicine, 1609 N Warren Street, Suite 108, P.O. Box 245064, Tucson, AZ 85724-5064, USA.
Jason R
JR
Wild
Division of Geriatrics, General Internal Medicine and Palliative Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Arizona College of Medicine, 1821 E Elm Street, Tucson, AZ 85719, USA.
Mindy J
MJ
Fain
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000375:Aging / Q000502:physiology*; D003072:Cognition Disorders / Q000517:prevention & control; D004434:Early Ambulation; D016330:Frail Elderly; D006620:Hip Fractures / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D044342:Malnutrition / Q000178:diet therapy; D059408:Pain Management; D010348:Patient Care Team / Q000458:organization & administration; D018802:Patient-Centered Care / Q000458:organization & administration*; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000517:prevention & control*; D003668:Pressure Ulcer / Q000517:prevention & control*; D013530:Surgical Wound Infection / Q000517:prevention & control
Early mobility; Malnutrition and pressure ulcers; Pain management; Physiological changes of aging; Pneumonia and urinary track infections; Postoperative cognitive dysfunction; Postoperative complications; Urinary catheters