Case List History Objectives Radiology Images Questions POSTOPERATIVE COMPLICATIONS Case #2 - This 62 year old male underwent emergency open cholecystectomy DISCUSSION QUESTIONS: 5.) What are the most common causes of shortness of breath in the early postoperative period? Common causes of shortness of breath in the postoperative period: Mechanical limitation of breathing - pain, abdominal distension, ascites Atelectasis Pneumonia Bronchospasm - may have a history of asthma Congestive failure - may be due to acute MI Pulmonary embolus Hypovolemia
The Virtual Patient > Case List > POSTOPERATIVE COMPLICATIONS: Questions