Complications to Know About

Half of patients have a problem after surgery.

And a quarter of patients need to go back to the hospital because of worsening symptoms from a complication. Most problems will get better with time by working closely with your surgical team. Only about 10% of patients face a severe complication.

Here is a list of things to watch for during your recovery:

GREEN ZONE

Doing great. No action needed.

  • Your incision is clean although there could be red markings where dissolvable sutures/staples were placed on skin.     

  • You’re able to walk short distances.     

  • Your pain is controlled to a tolerable level with pain medication, and you can get some rest.      

  • You’re able to have a bowel movement at least every other day.     

  • Some discomfort in testicles or perineum (the space between the scrotum/vagina and rectum) 

  • Clear drainage from urethra or vagina 

YELLOW ZONE

Caution, contact your health care team soon.

  • Your incision has a small amount of drainage.      

  • If the edges of your incision are separating.    

  • Your ostomy bag is leaking, and you haven’t learned how to change it.     

  • Your current pain medication doesn’t seem to relieve your pain for tolerable comfort.      

  • You’re taking stool softener prescribed and having constipation.      

  • You have nausea that prevents you from wanting to eat. 

ORANGE ZONE

ALERT: Contact your healthcare team today! 

  • The area around your incision is becoming red and tender.      

  • Increased drainage from your incision.   

  • Surgical incision widely separates.      

  • Swelling in your arms or legs with redness and tenderness.      

  • Prolonged nausea or vomiting.      

  • Temperature of 101 for more than 24 hours.     

  • Unable to have bowel movement/pass gas.  

  • Little to no urine draining into your urine bag or Foley bag.      

  • Unable to control pain with pain medication. 

RED ZONE

EMERGENCY: Call 911, go to urgent care or the emergency room NOW!

  • Chest pain OR pain radiating down your arm.       

  • Changes in breathing or severe shortness of breath.  

  • Your incision has opened and is bleeding amounts that require a towel to absorb.      

  • Any changes in your mental status.     

  • Develop a rapid heart rate.       

  • Concerns you feel are an emergency and can’t wait to reach and speak with your medical team.

Here are some specific complications to know about

A urine infection happens when bacteria enters the urine, leading to symptoms like fever, pain, blood in urine, bad-smelling urine, or weakness and fatigue. If you have these symptoms, contact your doctor.

Urine Infection

Feeling a bit nauseated (queasy) in the first few weeks after surgery is normal. However, if you're constantly nauseated, vomiting, or can't keep food or liquids down, it's important to contact your doctor.

Nausea and Vomiting

If you notice redness, soreness, bad-smelling fluid coming from the incision (wound), or have a fever, it might be a sign of a wound infection. Call your doctor if you have any of these symptoms.

Wound Infection

Failure to thrive can result from infection, nausea, vomiting, and dehydration. Symptoms include extreme tiredness, reduced appetite, poor nutrition, and inactivity. If these symptoms are severe or become worse, call your doctor.

Failure to Thrive

After surgery, blood clots can form in the legs and less often in the arms. Signs of a blood clot include a swollen, red, or painful leg or arm, usually on one side. These clots can move to the lungs, making it hard to breathe. Contact your doctor if you experience any of these symptoms.

Blood Clot