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Review
. 2021 Jan;39(1):29-36.
doi: 10.1016/j.mpsur.2020.11.002. Epub 2020 Dec 16.

Care of the critically ill patient

Monica Jackson  1   2 , Thomas Cairns  1   2
Affiliations
Review

Care of the critically ill patient

Monica Jackson et al. Surgery (Oxf). 2021 Jan.

Abstract

The care of critically ill patient within the intensive care unit requires a multidisciplinary approach. An understanding of the main principles of intensive care medicine is essential for surgeons, both for participating in the management of their own critically ill patients and also because surgical complications of critical care are well recognized. This article describes the main principles of intensive care medicine within the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, giving an overview of a systematic approach to assessment and treatment of organ dysfunction, and highlights some of the complex ethical and organizational challenges.

Keywords: COVID-19; Cardiovascular support; critical care; critically ill; intensive care; renal replacement therapy; respiratory support; surgery.

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