Surgical Complications
- Bleeding from the spermatic vessels into the scrotum or retroperitoneum
- Surgical site infection
- Vascular injury
- Bowel injury
- Lymphocele, chylous ascites
- Ureteral injury
- Thromboembolic complications
- Pancreatitis
- Bowel obstruction
Definitions of Terms
Spermatic vessels - the artery that supplies blood flow to the testis. Each testicle has one spermatic artery
Retroperitoneum - the area behind the abdominal wall/cavity
Vascular - vessels that circulate body fuluids such as blood or lymph
Lymph - fluid collected from tissues in the body
Lymphocele - a mass surrounded by a sac filled with lymph fluid. This is usually caused by injury to lymph nodes or lymphatic vessels
Chylous ascites - presence of "millky" fluid containing suspended fat in the abdominal cavity
Ureter - tube that carries urine from the kidney to the bladder
Thromboembolism - blockage of a vessel by a blood clot
Pancreatitis - inflammation of the pancreas, which is an organ involved with the digestive system. It is characterized by fever, abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting
Complications of Chemotherapy
- Hematologic toxicity
- Mucositis
- Sensory neuropathy
- Ototoxicity
- Fatigue
- Pulmonary toxicity
- Hemorrhagic cystitis
- Central nervous system toxicity
Definition of Terms
Toxicity - harm or damage done to an organ or body system, usually caused by a drug that suppresses the immune system such as chemotherapy
Hematologic - pertaining to the blood system including white blood cells, red blood cells, and platelets. Common toxicities include anemia and immunosuppression
Mucositis - inflammation of the lining of the mouth and digestive tract that often causes sores that are painful
Neuropathy - numbness and tingling or decrease in tactile sensation, commonly affecting fingers and toes
Otologic - system involving the structure and function of the ears
Pulmonary - system involving the structure and functino of the lungs
Hemorrhagic cystitis - inflammation or irritation of the lining of the bladder causing bleeding
Central Nervous system - system pertaining to the brain and spinal cord
Complications of Radiation Therapy
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Cutaneous changes
- Fatigue
- Anorexia
Definitions of Terms
Cutaneous - relating to or affecting the skin
Anorexia - loss of appetite
