Download – Respiratory Disease and Anaesthesia

 

Patients with respiratory disease have an increased chance of developing complications perioperatively. Most problems are seen postoperatively and are usually secondary to shallow breathing, poor lung expansion, basal lung collapse and subsequent infection. To minimise the risk of complications these patients should be identified preoperatively and their pulmonary function optimised. This involves physiotherapy, a review of all medications and may require the help of a respiratory physician. Elective surgery is postponed until the patient is ready.

In the general surgical population thoracic and upper abdominal procedures are associated with the highest risk (10-40%) of pulmonary complications. The benefits of the proposed surgery must therefore be weighed against the risks involved.

Michael Mercer