Wireless Assessment of Respiratory and Circulatory Distress in Surgical Patients

An estimated > 230 million cases of major surgery are performed worldwide annually. Surgical interventions come with an inherent risk of complications. 15 - 30 % of all patients undergoing major abdominal surgery will develop a severe complication post-operative. These numbers correspond to the reported high postoperative in-hospital mortality, 8-9% after major upper abdominal surgery, increased in case of co-morbidities. Part of the high morbidity and mortality may be a result of delayed detection of severe complications due to the lower monitoring frequency in the general wards compared to the Post Anaesthesia Care Unit (PACU) and Intensive Care Unit (ICU). Improved observation may result in earlier detection and subsequently the possibility to implement interventions to divert a negative trajectory and ultimately reduce morbidity and mortality.

This study wish to investigate the correlation between deviating physiological parameters and postoperative complications.

In a prospective observational study, 500 patients enrolled for major abdominal cancer surgery at Rigshospitalet or Bispebjerg Hospital will be included after a signed declaration of consent.

Demographic data will be recorded together with preoperative spirometry, timed-up-and-go, Mini Mental State Examination and an electrocardiogram.

Post-operative when leaving the PACU, a wireless continuous monitoring system will be attached to the patients. The monitoring system will be recording the vital parameters 24/7.