- Complications of Thoracic Surgery
A. Pulmonary Edema and Its Signs:
- Difficulty breathing (Dyspnea).
- Crackling and bubbling chest
sounds (Crackle, Bubbling Sound of the Chest).
- Cyanosis (Bluish skin discoloration).
- Pink, frothy sputum (Pink, Frothy Sputum).
- These signs must be reported
immediately to the attending physician.
B. Hypoxia and Its Signs:
- Restlessness (Restlessness).
- Increased heart rate (Tachycardia).
- Increased respiratory rate (Tachypnea).
- High blood pressure (Hypertension).
C. Post-Operative Bleeding and Its Signs:
- Increase in bloody drainage from the chest tube.
- Tachycardia (Increased heart rate).
- Hypotension (Low blood pressure).
- Anxiety (Feeling of distress).
- Restlessness.
- Pallor (Pale skin).
- Decreased hemoglobin levels.
D. Pneumonia and Its Signs:
- Lung collapse (Atelectasis).
- Fever.
- Changes in sputum color and
consistency.
E. Cardiac Dysrhythmia and Its Signs:
- Heart attack (Myocardial Infarction).
- Heart failure.
F. Bronchopleural Fistula:
- Occurs due to a leak or
disruption at the bronchial stump.
- Breathing difficulties.
- Sudden coughing with bloody
fluid discharge.
- In such cases, the patient
should be positioned on the operated side and may require a chest tube or
surgical intervention.