Postoperative monitoring following critical trauma.

This review has focused on several aspects of monitoring post-injury patients. A few of the more commonly used monitoring devices have been discussed to emphasize that their use carries some risk and, as such, proper indications, based on the benefit to be achieved, must be available before they are used. Guidelines for the safe use of these devices have been outlined. The postoperative injury patient is at risk for developing certain complications as a result of the magnitude of injury. This review has dealt with respiratory insufficiency, renal insufficiency, and stress ulceration. Guidelines have been presented to aid in the prevention, early diagnosis, and management of these problems.