Postoperative Hemorrhages

Postoperative Hemorrhages: What You Need to Know

Postoperative hemorrhages (POH) are a common complication of any kind of surgical procedure. They can occur when there is an excessive amount of bleeding from the site of a surgical wound or as a result of internal bleeding. Without timely and effective management, postoperative hemorrhages can lead to serious consequences of potentially deadly proportions.

Signs and symptoms of POH may include:

• Excessive bleeding from the site of a surgical wound
• Fainting, dizziness, or lightheadedness
• Increase in pain or discomfort
• Swelling and redness in the area
• Weakness or numbness of the affected area

If you experience any of these symptoms, you should contact your doctor or the hospital staff immediately. It is important for healthcare professionals to be aware of the symptoms of postoperative hemorrhages so that they can adequately manage them before serious consequences develop.

The management of POH depends on the severity and type of the bleed. For minor bleeding, local methods such as wound packing may be used. If the source of the bleeding is difficult to identify, surgery may be necessary to identify and control the bleeding. In more serious cases, other treatments such as transfusion of fresh frozen plasma or cryoprecipitate may be necessary.

It is important to recognize the signs and symptoms of postoperative hemorrhages and seek medical attention immediately. This is especially important in high-risk patients who are more likely to develop complications due to POH such as elderly or immuno-compromised individuals.