Keywords

These keywords were added by machine and not by the authors. This process is experimental and the keywords may be updated as the learning algorithm improves.

This volume deals with complications, risks, and consequences related to a range of procedures under the broad headings of general abdominal (laparotomy), esophageal surgery, gastric surgery, obesity surgery, small bowel surgery, biliary and duodenal surgery, liver surgery, and pancreatic surgery.

FormalPara Important Note

It should be emphasized that the risks and frequencies that are given here represent derived figures. These figures are best estimates of relative frequencies across most institutions, not merely the highest-performing ones, and as such are often representative of a number of studies, which include different patients with differing comorbidities and different surgeons. In addition, the risks of complications in lower or higher risk patients may lie outside these estimated ranges, and individual clinical judgement is required as to the expected risks communicated to the patient, staff, or for other purposes. The range of risks is also derived from experience and the literature; while risks outside this range may exist, certain risks may be reduced or absent due to variations of procedures or surgical approaches. It is recognized that different patients, practitioners, institutions, regions, and countries may vary in their requirements and recommendations.

Individual clinical judgement should always be exercised, of course, when applying the general information contained in these documents to individual patients in a clinical setting.

The authors would like to thank the following experienced clinicians who discussed the chapters and acted as advisors: Professor Les Blumgart, New York, USA; Mr. Julian Britton, Oxford, UK; Mr. Nick Maynard, Oxford, UK; Professor Peter Friend, Oxford, UK; and Professor Derek Gray, Oxford, UK.