Postoperative fever
Postoperative Fever
Postoperative fever (pronunciation: post-op-er-a-tive fee-ver) is a common medical condition that occurs after a patient has undergone a surgical procedure.
Etymology
The term "postoperative" is derived from the Latin words "post", meaning "after", and "operare", meaning "to work". The term "fever" is derived from the Latin word "febris", meaning "heat".
Definition
Postoperative fever is defined as a body temperature of 38 degrees Celsius (100.4 degrees Fahrenheit) or higher that occurs after a patient has undergone surgery. It is a common occurrence, especially within the first 48 hours after surgery.
Causes
The most common causes of postoperative fever include:
- Infection: This can occur at the site of surgery or elsewhere in the body.
- Inflammation: This is a normal response to surgery and can cause a mild fever.
- Blood clots: These can form in the legs or lungs after surgery, causing a fever.
- Medication reactions: Some medications can cause a fever as a side effect.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis of postoperative fever involves a thorough medical history and physical examination, as well as various tests such as blood tests, urine tests, and imaging studies.
Treatment
Treatment of postoperative fever depends on the underlying cause. It may involve antibiotics for infection, anti-inflammatory drugs for inflammation, anticoagulants for blood clots, or changes in medication if a drug reaction is suspected.
Related Terms
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Postoperative fever
- Wikipedia's article - Postoperative fever
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