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Early Warning System of Li et al for Preventing Readmission After Colorectal Surgery

Purpose: To evaluate a patient who has been discharged from the hospital following colorectal surgery based on the study of Li et al.

Description

Li et al identified a number of signs and symptoms that can be used as an early warning system for patients following colorectal surgery. The hope is to avoid hospital readmission by early intervention. The authors are from Baylor College of Medicine, the DeBakey Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Rice University and the Houston Veterans Affairs Health Services Research and Development Center of Excellence in Houston.


Wound findings:

(1) wound opening

(2) wound drainage

(3) redness or changes in skin around the wound

 

Abdominal findings:

(1) vomiting

(2) abdominal swelling (distention)

(3) no bowel movement OR no gas/stool from ostomy for > 24 hours

(4) increasing abdominal pain

(5) high ostomy output

(6) dark urine or no urine

 

Other:

(1) fever > 101.5°F

(2) not been able to take anything by mouth for > 24 hours

 

Reasons to seek emergency care:

(1) shortness of breath or inability to breathe

(2) chest pain


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Objective

ICD-10