Complications

Complication
Timeframe
Likelihood
variable
high

Postoperative ileus is responsible for a significant prolongation of hospital stay.

It is estimated to add approximately $750 million to $1 billion to healthcare costs in the US.[7][27]

variable
low

Patients with poor nutritional status may have more wound-healing problems.[22]

variable
low

Patients who are vomiting, have gastric distention, or a nasogastric tube in place are at higher risk for aspiration pneumonia.[22]

Aspiration pneumonia

variable
low

Patients who are vomiting, have gastric distention, or a nasogastric tube in place are at higher risk for atelectasis.[22]

variable
low

Patients are more likely to have limited mobility during hospitalization, which puts them at risk for DVT.[22]

Deep vein thrombosis

variable
low

Patients are more likely to have limited mobility during hospitalization, which puts them at risk of pulmonary embolism.[22]

Pulmonary embolism

variable
low

Patients receiving parenteral nutrition are at higher risk for sepsis via central line bloodstream infection.[22]

Sepsis in adults

variable
low

The increased length of hospitalization puts patients at risk for nosocomial infections.[22]

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