Risk factors for respiratory complications in patients in the perioperative period

Abstract

Diseases of the respiratory system (both acute and exacerbations of chronic ones) remain the most frequent non-surgical complications after surgical interventions of various sizes, increasing the duration of the patient»s hospital stay, increasing economic costs and the percentage of deaths. It was shown that respiratory complications developed after abdominal operations increased the risk of 30-day mortality by 10 times. The most common complications include: reintubation, acute respiratory failure, pulmonary edema, atelectasis and pneumonia. The development of respiratory complications is due to the pathology of the respiratory system and respiratory muscles. It is proved that the use of drugs that inhibit neuromuscular conduction in 75 % of cases provokes the development of atelectasis, respiratory muscle dysfunction and reduces respiratory volumes. Respiratory complications are most often caused by hypoxia or hypercapnia. Hypoxia is characterized by a decrease in the partial pressure of oxygen and is well corrected by additional oxygenation. In the first hours after surgery hypoxemia occurs in 50—55 % of cases with a decrease in saturation up to 80 %. Complete normalization of respiratory dysfunction usually occurs 4—6 hours after extubation. Hypercapnia, on the contrary, is characterized by an increase in the partial pressure of oxygen, the phenomena of hyperkalemia and respiratory acidosis. Correction of electrolyte and buffer disturbances is necessary. It is important for the Clinician to remember the need to identify possible risk factors for respiratory complications (modifiable and unmodified) and ways to correct them. Examination of the patient by a therapist before the planned operation, including possible preoperative preparation in the therapeutic departments of a multidisciplinary hospital helps to reduce the frequency of postoperative complications. In this article the authors describe recommendations for evaluation, prevention and diagnosis of respiratory complications in the perioperative period in patients with comorbid pathology.