Postoperative pulmonary complications in noncardiothoracic surgery

Abstract

Purpose: Postoperative pulmonary complications (PPCs) are a major cause of mortality and morbidity. The aim of this study is to evaluate frequencies and determine risk factors of PPCs which developed subsequent to general surgery and orthopedic surgery in a tertiary university hospital. Materials-methods: Patients who were operated in Departments of General Surgery and Orthopedics and Traumatology were retrospectively included to the study. Results: 683 patients with a mean age of 59.43±18.77 years were included in the study. The ratio of PPC was 10.3%. Most frequent PPC was found to be pneumonia (6.3%). The prevelance of PPC was significantly higher in patients ≥65 years than who were <65 years old (18.2% vs 4.4%) (p<0.001). PPC was more frequent in patients who undergone urgent surgery than those who undergone elective surgery (24.1% vs 8%) (p<0.001). The rates of development of PPC according to the duration of operation (30 min-1 h, 1-2 h, 2-3 h, 3-4 h, >4 h) were respectively as follows 2.8%, 9.5%, 25%, 75% and 100% (p<0.001). Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that being ≥65 years, having ASA≥3 and hypoalbuminemia (<3g/dl) were independent risk factors for development of PPC (OR:2.45, 95% CI (1.14-5.25) p<0.05; OR: 44.5, 95% CI (5.13-386.1) p<0.05; OR:6.4, 95% CI (3.14-13.1) p<0.05). Conclusion: The clinicians should be aware of PPCs especially in patients who were ≥65 years, had ASA≥3 and hypoalbuminemia (<3g/dl).