Question

The most common, preventable complication of abdominal surgery is:

1. Atelectasis.
2. Fluid and electrolyte imbalance.
3. Thrombophlebitis.
4. Urinary retention.

Answer 1

The most common, preventable complication of abdominal surgery is peritonitis. It is the inflammation of the peritoneum caused by breaches in the alimentary canal wall and can result in life-threatening conditions.

Step-by-step explanation:

The most common, preventable complication of abdominal surgery is peritonitis. Peritonitis is the inflammation of the peritoneum, which can occur when the wall of the alimentary canal is breached, allowing the contents of the lumen to enter the peritoneal cavity. It is often associated with bacterial infections seen with conditions like appendicitis, colonic diverticulitis, and pelvic inflammatory disease. Peritonitis is life-threatening and often requires emergency surgery and intensive antibiotic therapy.