Metabolic Deficits and Surgical Complications

Abstract

Unrealistic estimates of fluid and electrolyte losses in acute surgical disorders and inadequate quantitative and qualitative replacement play significant roles in determining operative mortality and postoperative morbidity. Five case histories illustrate some common errors in preoperative and postoperative management: failure to recognize fluid and electrolyte losses, failure to recognize blood loss, failure to treat infection promptly, failure to recognize and replenish nutritional losses, and failure to recognize adrenocortical insufficiency.