Surgical emergencies are agonizing and stressful to everyone in the emergency room (ER), because of the aggravating conditions of the patient and the perils associated with the surgical interventions required, to be performed immediately by experienced surgeons, that is imperative to the survival of the patient. Avoiding and preventing these emergencies to the best we can is of great importance.
Here are the 7 most important Surgical Emergencies and how to Prevent them
1) Airway Obstruction
A foreign body deposited in the larynx, penetrating trauma to the trachea causing it to collapse or a peri-tonsillar abscess occluding the airway are few of many causes of this. Managed either by minimally invasive procedures or an invasive procedure like a tracheostomy they are indeed surgical emergencies.
As such preventing such situations includes being vigilant to avoid physical trauma to the airway, and careful monitoring of children when playing to avoid a foreign body obstruction since children have the highest tendency to do so.
2) Subdural Hematoma
The pooling of blood in between the layers of dura mater and arachnoid mater of the brain usually results from a traumatic brain injury as in a Road Traffic Accident. This is commonly observed in old and young individuals due to the relatively larger subdural space. Although these risk factors can’t be controlled, there are some other risk factors that contribute, such as chronic alcohol consumption, taking blood coagulants (anticoagulants) that should be managed. Shaking infants accidentally or intentionally can also lead to a hematoma.
3) Appendicitis
Acute appendicitis is indeed a surgical emergency as it holds the risk of rupture followed by widespread sepsis and eventual death.
The appendix gets inflamed due to infiltration by foreign bodies, debris, bacteria, worms, and many others. Proper hygiene in food and water and a following a healthy diet with the proper quantity of fibers could reduce your chances of developing appendicitis.
4) Aortic Rupture and Aneurysm
Most often results from trauma to an aortic aneurysm, which is an enlarged Aorta. Once it ruptures the management would be very difficult, hence we should be focused on preventing it by managing risk factors.
Patient’s blood pressure, cholesterol levels should be checked and smoking discouraged.
Screening for an aneurysm by an abdominal Ultrasonography for high-risk categories (above 65 years) is the best way to identify and prevent emergencies.
5) Retinal Detachment
Although not life-threatening, a permanent loss of vision is indeed a condition that could severely aggravate the quality of life.
Preventing a retinal detachment is aimed at identifying risk factors and seeking immediate ophthalmological consult. Severely myopic individuals should avoid activities that increase the pressure of the eye such as sky diving and trauma to the eye. Obesity is a risk factor in non-myopic individuals. Screening for retinal tears could help identify high risks and prevent a surgical emergency situation.
6) Pneumothorax
The collection of air in the pleural space between the chest wall and the lungs leads to a shortage of oxygenation and eventual death if not managed immediately.
Blunt or penetrating trauma to the chest could be avoided by wearing proper safety equipment when exposed to a dangerous environment.
Avoiding smoking can help prevent pneumothorax that’s caused by damage to the lungs and pleura.
7) Massive Obstetric Hemorrhage
Trauma, placental abruption, uterine rupture, coagulopathies, Trauma – unsafe abortions are few of many causes of Massive Obstetric Hemorrhage.
Of these, the practice of unsafe abortions leading to heavy bleeding and then to sepsis or death is to be focused on. Post-partum hemorrhage is managed by giving drugs that prevent bleeding. Basic coagulopathies are corrected via medication to avoid any heavy bleeding.
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