Intensive Care Considerations of the Cancer Patient

The oncologic population has several unique considerations regarding postoperative management. Care that was previously considered to be with merit is now standard of care. Triage recommendations have evolved as attitudes regarding intensive care unit (ICU) care of the oncologic patient have changed. Important concerns pertinent to oncologic patients include neutropenia, immunosuppression, thrombocytopenia, hyper- and hypocoagulopathic states, and malnutrition among others. The need for postoperative monitoring and management of complications may be unique based on the patient population and surgical intervention provided. Neurologic, cardiac, head and neck surgery, and respiratory complications are representative of commonly encountered difficulties in the surgical ICU. Postoperative respiratory failure represents the most common reason for ICU admission following surgery.