Postop pulmonary complications linked to poor outcomes

Editor's Note

Even mild postoperative pulmonary complications (PPCs) are associated with increased early postoperative mortality, ICU admission, and length of stay, finds this study.

Of 1,202 ASA physical status 3 patients from seven academic medical centers included in the analysis, at least one PPC occurred in 401 patients.

All patients with more than one PPC were admitted to the hospital, and length of stay increased as the number of complications increased. The number of PPCs was directly associated with the likelihood of admission to the ICU and ICU length of stay. Of nine patients who died within the first 7 days after surgery, all had more than one PPC.

Efforts to reduce mild postoperative pulmonary complications may contribute to improved perioperative outcomes and shorter hospital stays, the authors say.

Question Are postoperative pulmonary complications (PPCs), even mild ones, associated with early postoperative mortality and use of hospital resources? Findings In this multicenter study in 1202 American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status 3 patients undergoing noncardiothoracic surgery requiring 2 hours or more of general anesthesia with mechanical ventilation, at least 1 PPC occurred in 401 patients (mainly the need for prolonged oxygen therapy by nasal cannula and atelectasis).