Term: Post-Operative Hemorrhage or Hematoma

Glossary Definition

Last Updated: 2006-07-20

Definition:

A post-operative hemorrhage refers to a loss of blood occurring after a surgical procedure that is copious enough to threaten health or life. A post-operative hematoma is a localized swelling filled with blood, commonly referred to as a bruise, resulting from a break in a blood vessel after a surgical procedure.

References 

• Bruce S, Prior H, Katz A, Taylor M, Latosinsky S, Martens P, De Coster C, Brownell M, Soodeen R, Steinbach C. Application of Patient Safety Indicators in Manitoba: A First Look. Winnipeg, MB: Manitoba Centre for Health Policy, 2006. [Report] [Summary] (View)