Intermediate
Technical
IVT
postoperative complication
Any adverse event occurring after surgery that deviates from the expected postoperative course.
Full Definition
An undesired outcome or adverse event that occurs following surgical intervention, ranging from minor issues like superficial wound infections to major complications such as organ failure or death. In acute care surgery, postoperative complications are closely monitored as they significantly impact patient outcomes and healthcare costs. Classification systems like the Clavien-Dindo scale are used to standardize complication reporting and facilitate quality improvement efforts.
Usage
Usage note: More specific than 'postoperative morbidity' which encompasses all adverse outcomes.
In Context
- "The patient developed a postoperative complication requiring return to the operating room." — Clinical documentation
- "Postoperative complications were graded according to the Clavien-Dindo classification." — Quality assessment
Also known as
surgical complication
perioperative complication
Contrasted with
uncomplicated recovery
Don't confuse with
postoperative course
postoperative morbidity