[Postoperative pulmonary complications: prophylaxis after noncardiac surgery].
Postoperative pulmonary complications are a major problem after upper abdominal or thoracoabdominal surgery. They lead to a prolonged ICU stay as well as increased costs and are one of the main causes of early postoperative mortality. Even after uncomplicated operations, postoperative hypoxemia occurs in 30-50% of patients. Acute respiratory failure involves a disturbance in gas exchange. The mortality ranges from 10 to 60% according to the severity of respiratory failure. The most important complications are interstitial and alveolar pulmonary edema, atelectasis, postoperative pneumonia, hypoventilation, and aspiration. Preoperative optimization, postoperative prophylaxis according to a stepwise approach, and early mobilization decrease the rate of complications.
Hofer
S
S
Klinik für Anästhesiologie, Universitätsklinikum Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany. Markus.Weigand@med.uni-heidelberg.de
Plachky
J
J
Fantl
R
R
Schmidt
J
J
Bardenheuer
H J
HJ
Weigand
M A
MA
D004434:Early Ambulation; D005440:Fluid Therapy; D006801:Humans; D000860:Hypoxia / Q000401:mortality / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000517:prevention & control; D008171:Lung Diseases / Q000401:mortality / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D010149:Postoperative Pain / Q000628:therapy; D026741:Physical Therapy Modalities; D011182:Postoperative Care; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000401:mortality / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D011300:Preoperative Care; D011659:Pulmonary Gas Exchange / Q000502:physiology; D012131:Respiratory Insufficiency / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000517:prevention & control; D012138:Respiratory Therapy