ABSTRACT

The need for postoperative care is influenced by the severity of underlying illness, the duration and complexity of the anaesthetic and surgical procedures, and the potential for postoperative complications (Barash et al., 1992). This needs specific care from the surgical point of view (e.g. for wound care, antibiotics, change of dressing) and also more general care (e.g. for pain relief, fluid and electrolyte balance, nutrition, oxygenation).