ABSTRACT
This chapter presents a case study of John, who is a 54-year-old man who had surgery for a carcinoma of the colon. The rapid appearance of John's swelling overnight suggests a blood clot. This needs urgent investigation and treatment. Fluid normally leaks from blood capillaries into the tissues. Some returns to the capillaries, while the rest is removed by a drainage system called the lymphatics. Many causes of oedema just cause swelling in the affected area without clear clues as to the problem. These suggest that further investigation and treatment is needed urgently: midline oedema; rapid onset; dusky or purplish hue; ulceration; breathlessness; and distended veins. Causes that need urgent investigation or treatment: vena caval obstruction; venous thrombosis; heart failure; local malignancy; and Infection.
