A Surgical Intensive Care Unit (SICU) is a specialized unit in a hospital that provides critical care to critically ill patients recovering from various types of surgeries, including general, thoracic, trauma, vascular, orthopedic, gynecologic, and obstetric surgeries
. The SICU team is multidisciplinary and consists of intensivists, surgeons, nurses, rehabilitation therapists, nutritionists, social workers, and palliative care specialists
. They work together to ensure that patients receive well-rounded, complete care
. Key aspects of the SICU include:
- Critical Care : The SICU offers critical care treatment to unstable, severely, or potentially severely ill patients in the perioperative setting who have life-threatening conditions and require comprehensive care, constant monitoring, and possible emergency interventions
- Patient Flow : SICU intensivists manage patient flow from admission to the hospital through to in the SICU, and postoperatively for discharge to the ward. They supervise the safety, efficacy, and workability of the process with respect to all stakeholders
- Teamwork : The ICU culture is heavily based in teamwork, with healthcare professionals working together to closely monitor patients and notify ICU residents and attendings of acute changes in their condition
- Research : SICU teams are often involved in innovative research projects that help define the impact of early goal-directed echocardiography in shock patients, the role of ultrasound in critically ill patients, and treatment modalities and patient outcomes in severe conditions
Overall, the SICU plays a crucial role in providing specialized care to critically ill patients, ensuring their safety and well-being during and after surgery.
