Abstract

ROLE OF MONITORING POTASSIUM LEVELS DURING EARLY POSTOPERATIVE PERIOD IN PATIENTS UNDERGOING MAJOR GASTROINTESTINAL SURGERY

Stephy Chacko*, Dr. Rahul D. Kunju, Dr. Sathish Reddy Manda, Dr. Susan John B. T., Dr. Sandeep C. M, Dr. Sujith Philip

Abstract

Serum potassium levels play a major role in maintaining the homeostasis and also the functioning of all major systems of the human body. Normal serum potassium level is very important in the smooth postoperative recovery of all major surgeries. Its significance is more after surgeries related to gastrointestinal system where chances of patient developing abnormal serum potassium level, especially hypokalemia is high due to abnormal gastrointestinal function in such patients due to various reasons. During postoperative period abnormal serum potassium levels can add to significant morbidity and even mortality due to life threatening complications like cardiac dysrhythmias. We conducted a cross-sectional descriptive study of 35 consecutive patients who underwent major gastrointestinal surgeries in our unit to assess the importance of monitoring of serum potassium levels in early postoperative period. It was found that 60% of the patients developed hypokalemia during early postoperative period. Among those with hypokalemia, 25.7% developed paralytic ileus, 14.2% developed cardiac dysrhythmias and 11.4% developed both complications which was identified and managed appropriately. This study denotes the importance of routine monitoring of the serum potassium levels during the early postoperative period to avoid related morbidity and mortality.

Keywords: Serum potassium, hypokalemia, arrythmia, paralytic ileus.