Management of postoperative complications: general approach

Abstract

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.

Keywords: Early mobility; Malnutrition and pressure ulcers; Pain management; Physiological changes of aging; Pneumonia and urinary track infections; Postoperative cognitive dysfunction; Postoperative complications; Urinary catheters.