RISK ASSESSMENT OF POSTOPERATIVE COMPLICATIONS ARISING FROM THE BAD SURGICAL POSITIONING

Abstract

The aim of the study was to assess the risk of developing injuries resulting from surgical positioning in patients undergoing surgery at a Trauma Hospital, using the Risk Assessment Scale for the development of injuries resulting from surgical positioning (ELPO). This was a cross-sectional, exploratory, descriptive study with a quantitative approach. 24 patients were evaluated in the month of April 2018. A semi-structured form using sociodemographic information, the Braden scale was used to assess the risk of developing pressure injury (LP), the ELPO scale and the numerical scale (EN) for pain assessment. Of the patients evaluated, most were aged ≥ 60 years (70.8%), male (58.3%) and 58.3% reported moderate pain. Based on the Braden scale, 66.7% were at risk of developing LP, with a statistically significant variation (p <0.01) between pre and postoperative. As for the ELPO scale, 91.7% scored above 19, implying a higher risk situation. The majority had a high risk of developing some complication due to surgical positioning and the risk of LP was higher in the postoperative period. It is suggested the application of the ELPO scale and the use of adequate devices and equipment in the routine of perioperative care.