postoperative bleeding
Excessive blood loss following cardiac surgery, often requiring transfusion or surgical intervention.
Full Definition
Abnormal bleeding occurring after cardiac surgery, typically defined as chest tube drainage >100 mL/hour for multiple consecutive hours or total drainage >1000 mL in the first 24 hours. Postoperative bleeding in cardiac surgery has multiple etiologies including surgical bleeding from inadequate hemostasis, coagulopathy from bypass-related factor consumption and platelet dysfunction, or inadequate reversal of anticoagulation. Management involves identifying and correcting coagulation abnormalities, blood product transfusion, and potential return to the operating room for re-exploration. Excessive bleeding increases morbidity through transfusion-related complications and hemodynamic compromise.
Usage
Usage note: Quantify drainage rates and specify interventions when documenting.
In Context
- "Postoperative bleeding exceeded 200 mL/hour, prompting factor replacement and platelet transfusion." — ICU progress note
- "The patient required re-exploration for postoperative bleeding from a mammary artery side branch." — Operative report