A 70-year-old woman had a total abdominal hysterectomy with bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy 2 days ago.

Postoperative fever on day 1–2 is commonly caused by atelectasis, particularly in patients who are immobile. It is considered a self-limited cause of early fever after surgery and often resolves with mobilization and pulmonary exercises.

Toronto Notes 2023 – Surgery, Postoperative Complications:

“The ‘5 W’s’ of postoperative fever: Wind (atelectasis), Water (UTI), Wound (infection), Walking (DVT), and Wonder drugs. Atelectasis typically occurs in the first 48 hours and is due to hypoventilation or pain-limited breathing.”

MCCQE1 Objectives – Surgery > Postoperative Management:

“Candidates must recognize timing-specific causes of postoperative fever. Atelectasis is the most likely cause within the first 48 hours.”

PE (B) can cause fever but is less likely without respiratory compromise. Wound infection (C) and bowel trauma (D) typically present later or with more specific symptoms. Septic pelvic thrombophlebitis (A) usually presents later and with more systemic signs.

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