TIME-SENSITIVE โ assess severity and escalate if deteriorating.
๐ Recognise
Timing, surgical site, chest, urine, line and thrombosis guide differential.
๐ First actions
ABCDE if unwell, inspect wound and devices, targeted cultures and urgent surgical review for sepsis.
๐งช Investigate / reassess
Check inflammatory trend, medicines, catheter, aspiration or abdominal leak.
โ ๏ธ Escalation / pitfalls
Do not assume every postoperative fever needs empirical antibiotics without assessment.
Editorial status: Teaching draft, specialist review required; the entire topic has not undergone independent clinical sign-off. Follow your trust guidelines and senior advice. Not a standalone treatment protocol.