Postoperative pulmonary complications

Postoperative pulmonary complications (PPC) account for a substantial portion of the risks related to surgery and anesthesia and are a source of postoperative morbidity, mortality and longer hospital stays. The current basis for our understanding of the nature of PPC is weak; only a small number of high-quality studies are available, a uniform def- inition has not emerged, and studies have focused on specific patients and kinds of surgeries. Current evidence sug- gests that risk factors for PPC are related to the patient's health status and the particular anesthetic and surgical pro- cedures chosen. Age, general co-morbidity, pre-existing respiratory and cardiac diseases, the use of general anesthesia and the overall surgical insult. are the most significant factors associated with complications. Election of anesthetic tech- nique, postoperative analgesia and physical therapy seem to be the preventive measures that are best supported by evi- dence. (Minerva Anestesiol 2010;76:138-43)