How to Treat and Correct Complications

Abstract

Treating complications is much more difficult than creating them. The aim of the surgeon should be to avoid complications, and in the previous chapter detailed guidelines have been described. Good training, appropriate assessment of patients, knowledge, and compliance with surgery rules are the most important issues to help toward this aim. However, in the unlikely situation that a complication occurs, measures should be taken to address them in the best possible manner. Practical advices such as appropriate pampering of patients understanding and sympathy, no inappropriate reactions to the problem in their presence and blame to assistants, nurses, secretaries, instruments, or whatever else could harm the status of the surgeon in such cases. Explanation that in surgery everything can happen and that the surgeon is here to solve the problem will relax and reassure the patient.