M. Weckenmann et al., PROGNOSIS OF POSTOPERATIVE COMPLICATIONS AND THE RELATION TO CHRONOMEDICINE, Langenbecks Archiv fur Chirurgie, 382(6), 1997, pp. 284-290
In 57 convalescence courses after surgery, temperature, pulse rate and
complications recorded daily for 24 days were investigated. Complicat
ions were synchronized approximately with temperature. The time struct
ure of the temperature proved to be periodical (reactive periods). The
approximate to 7-day periods (medium waves) predominated, frequently
superimposed by short waves (less than or equal to 4-day periods) and
long waves (greater than or equal to 14-day periods). There was an int
ermediate band of approximate to 10-day periods. The phases were synch
ronized with the day of operation, mostly with maxima, otherwise with
minima. Periods and phases could jump, the periods preferably in integ
er ratios, the phases approximate to 180 degrees. The long waves yield
ed a steep drop initially and a reascent of the temperature in the app
roximate to 3rd week. As the number of complications was coincident wi
th the temperature, it also dropped quickly after operation but rose a
gain during the 3rd week. Apart from long waves, temperature and compl
ications descended slowly, synchronizing with the medium waves. The re
ascent time structure is generally associated with a trophotropic type
of patient (late reactive), the gradual descent with an ergotropic ty
pe (early reactive). As both of them can be recognized preoperatively,
the time structure of the late complications expected can be predicte
d. Besides the long waves the time structure of the complications is r
elated to the medium waves. Therefore a peak of the complications ofte
n occurs at the end of the 1st week.