Post-Operative Complications: Preventive Strategies and Management Approaches

Abstract

Background: Post-operative complications remain a major cause of morbidity and
prolonged hospitalization, especially in resource-limited healthcare settings. Timely
implementation of preventive strategies and effective management is crucial to
improving patient outcomes.
Objective: To evaluate the incidence, risk factors, preventive measures, and
management outcomes of postoperative complications in a tertiary care hospital.
Methods: A prospective observational study was conducted on 100 post-operative
patients from January 2024 to January 2025. Data were collected on demographics,
type of surgery, comorbidities, and preventive interventions. Patients were monitored
for complications such as surgical site infections (SSIs), respiratory issues, deep vein
thrombosis (DVT), and others. Outcomes and associations with risk factors were
analyzed statistically.
Results: Post-operative complications occurred in 33% of patients. The most
common were SSIs (18%), respiratory complications (10%), and DVT (5%).
Significant risk factors included age >50 years (p=0.02), diabetes (p=0.01), and
surgery duration >2 hours (p=0.04). Preventive strategies like antibiotic prophylaxis
(100%), respiratory physiotherapy (80%), and early mobilization (75%) were widely
implemented. Most complications (75.8%) were managed conservatively, with a 3%
mortality rate.
Conclusion: Post-operative complications are common but largely preventable with
timely and targeted strategies. Identifying high-risk patients and enforcing standard
protocols can significantly reduce morbidity and improve surgical outcomes.