Table 2.

POMS-defined morbidity

Pulmonary	Has the patient developed a new requirement for oxygen or respiratory support?
Infectious	Is the patient currently on antibiotics and/or has the patient had a temperature of ≥38°C in the last 24 h?
Renal	Does the patient have any of the following:
	Oliguria (<500 ml day−1)?
	Creatinine (>30% from preop. level)?
	Urinary catheter in situ?
Gastrointestinal	Unable to tolerate enteral diet (oral or tube feed)?
	Is the patient experiencing nausea, vomiting, or abdominal distention?
Cardiovascular	Has the patient undergone diagnostic tests or therapy within the last 24 h for any of the following:
	New MI?
	Ischaemia or hypotension (requiring drug therapy or fluid therapy >200 ml h−1)?
	Atrial or ventricular arrhythmias?
	Cardiogenic pulmonary oedema/new anticoagulation (warfarin/heparin/fragmin)?
Neurological	Does the patient have new confusion/delerium, focal deficit, or coma?
Wound complications	Has the patient experienced wound dehiscence requiring surgical exploration or drainage of pus from the op wound with/without isolation of organisms?
Haematological	Has the patient required any of the following within the last 24 h: rBC/platelets/FFP/cryoprecipitate?
Pain	Has the patient experienced surgical wound pain significant enough to require parenteral opioids or regional analgesia?