POSTOPERATIVE COMPLICATIONS IN ABDOMINAL SURGERY: RISK FACTORS AND PREVENTION STRATEGIES

Abstract

Postoperative complications in abdominal surgeries are a significant concern in surgical practice, directly impacting patient clinical outcomes and increasing hospital costs. This integrative review aimed to identify the main risk factors and prevention strategies for postoperative complications in abdominal surgeries, based on scientific literature published between 2013 and 2023. The risk factors identified include patient characteristics, such as advanced age, presence of comorbidities (diabetes, hypertension, renal failure, and cardiovascular diseases), compromised nutritional status, and weakened immunological status. Surgery-related factors, such as complexity and duration of the procedure, type of surgery (emergency versus elective), and surgical technique (open versus minimally invasive), were also highlighted. In addition, environmental factors, such as the effectiveness of infection control protocols and the training of the medical team, were shown to be critical for postoperative outcomes. The most effective prevention strategies included the implementation of rigorous infection control protocols, intensive perioperative monitoring, preoperative nutritional interventions, ongoing education and training of healthcare staff, and the adoption of minimally invasive surgical techniques. The application of these strategies was associated with a significant reduction in the incidence of postoperative complications. The review highlights the importance of a multidisciplinary and personalized approach in the prevention of postoperative complications, emphasizing the need for risk stratification of patients and the implementation of targeted preventive measures. Furthermore, it underscores the need for future research to validate the identified strategies and explore new approaches, including the integration of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence and predictive analytics. In conclusion, the prevention of postoperative complications in abdominal surgeries requires a detailed understanding of risk factors and the implementation of evidence-based prevention strategies. Multidisciplinary collaboration, ongoing education, and technological innovation are essential to improve the safety and effectiveness of surgical care, benefiting both patients and the healthcare system as a whole.