Dengue Infections and the Surgical Patient

Area of Science:

• Infectious Diseases
• Surgical Pathology
• Global Health

Background:

• Dengue infections are a growing global health concern, causing significant illness and death.
• Severe dengue can lead to microvascular changes and coagulopathy, complicating surgical management.
• Surgical presentations in dengue patients can mimic acute abdominal conditions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To outline surgical manifestations and complications of dengue infections.
• To describe clinical, pathogenetic, diagnostic, and treatment aspects for dengue and surgical patients.
• To improve surgical patient outcomes through enhanced understanding and management strategies.

Main Methods:

• Review of potential surgical manifestations and complications in dengue patients.
• Description of clinical, pathogenetic, diagnostic, and treatment considerations.
• Analysis of patient outcomes based on diagnostic and treatment approaches.

Main Results:

• Common surgical presentations include acute cholecystitis, pancreatitis, appendicitis, splenic rupture, bowel perforation, GI bleeding, and hematomas.
• Dengue can present as an acute abdomen without actual surgical pathology.
• Nonoperative management was successful for a majority of patients; misdiagnosis led to poor outcomes.

Conclusions:

• Increased awareness of dengue's surgical complications is vital for early diagnosis and appropriate management.
• A high index of suspicion for dengue is necessary in epidemic areas with acute abdomen or bleeding.
• Early diagnostic testing and imaging, alongside multidisciplinary decision-making, improve care for surgical patients with dengue.