High Risk For Pulmonary Complications Research Articles

A Trial of Intraoperative Low-Tidal-Volume Ventilation in Abdominal Surgery

BackgroundLung-protective ventilation with the use of low tidal volumes and positive end-expiratory pressure is considered best practice in the care of many critically ill patients. However, its role in anesthetized patients undergoing major surgery is not known.MethodsIn this multicenter, double-blind, parallel-group trial, we randomly assigned 400 adults at intermediate to high risk of pulmonary complications after major abdominal surgery to either nonprotective mechanical ventilation or a strategy of lung-protective ventilation. The primary outcome was a composite of major pulmonary and extrapulmonary complications occurring within the first 7 days after surgery.ResultsThe two intervention groups had similar characteristics at baseline. In the intention-to-treat analysis, the primary outcome occurred in 21 of 200 patients (10.5%) assigned to lung-protective ventilation, as compared with 55 of 200 (27.5%) assigned to nonprotective ventilation (relative risk, 0.40; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.24 to 0.68; P=0.001). Over the 7-day postoperative period, 10 patients (5.0%) assigned to lung-protective ventilation required noninvasive ventilation or intubation for acute respiratory failure, as compared with 34 (17.0%) assigned to nonprotective ventilation (relative risk, 0.29; 95% CI, 0.14 to 0.61; P=0.001). The length of the hospital stay was shorter among patients receiving lung-protective ventilation than among those receiving nonprotective ventilation (mean difference, −2.45 days; 95% CI, −4.17 to −0.72; P=0.006).ConclusionsAs compared with a practice of nonprotective mechanical ventilation, the use of a lung-protective ventilation strategy in intermediate-risk and high-risk patients undergoing major abdominal surgery was associated with improved clinical outcomes and reduced health care utilization. (IMPROVE ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT01282996.)

The OPERA trial - comparison of early nasal high flow oxygen therapy with standard care for prevention of postoperative hypoxemia after abdominal surgery: study protocol for a multicenter randomized controlled trial

BackgroundRespiratory support following postoperative extubation is of major importance to prevent hypoxemia and subsequent respiratory failure and reintubation. High-flow nasal cannula oxygen (HFNC) delivers a flow-dependent positive airway pressure and improves oxygenation by increasing end-expiratory lung volume. Whether application of HFNC may have therapeutic advantages over conventional oxygen therapy for respiratory support in the early postextubation surgical period remains to be established.Methods/designThe Optiflow for prevention of post-extubation hypoxemia after abdominal surgery (OPERA) trial is an investigator-initiated multicenter randomized controlled two-arm trial with assessor-blinded outcome assessment, randomizing 220 patients with intermediate to high risk of pulmonary complications after abdominal surgery to receive HFNC or conventional oxygen therapy following extubation, stratified by the presence of epidural analgesia and center. The primary outcome measure is the percentage of patients with postoperative hypoxemia one hour after tracheal extubation. Secondary outcome measures are postoperative pulmonary complications, need for noninvasive ventilation and intubation for respiratory failure.DiscussionThe OPERA trial is the first randomized controlled study powered to investigate whether early application of HFNC following extubation after abdominal surgery prevents against postoperative hypoxemia and pulmonary complications.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT01887015.

A management of blunt thoracic trauma in an emergency department observation unit

The best management of patients with isolated blunt thoracic trauma at high risk of pulmonary complications (HRPC-BTT: ≥3 isolated rib fractures, sternal fracture, single or few pulmonary contusions or minimal pneumothorax) is still unclear. We compared efficacy and cost-effectiveness of a new clinical pathway involving an Emergency Department Observation Unit (EDOU) with routine care. Retrospective before-after study. Level II Trauma Center within a Regional Teaching Hospital. A consecutive series of patients with HRPC-BTT. a new clinical pathway involving EDOU was implemented. Death rate, tube thoracostomy, and re-admission of discharged patients. Hospital admission rate, length of hospital occupancy, overall costs, and cost-effectiveness were also compared in pre- and post-EDOU period. Two hundred forty patients were eligible for the study: 110 patients in the pre-EDOU period and 130 in the post-EDOU period. Thirteen (12%) of the treated patients were re-admitted to the ED in the pre-EDOU period compared with only five (4%) when the EDOU was available (p = 0.03). The rate of tube thoracostomy performed in admitted patients significantly increased after EDOU implementation: 1 of 54 (1.9%) versus 4 of 32 (12.5%; p < 0.05). The rate of hospitalization decreased from 49% in the pre-EDOU period to 24% in the post-EDOU period (p < 0,005) and the length of stay in hospital in the pre-EDOU period was longer than in the EDOU period: mean 94.7 ± 79.6 versus 65.7 ± 60.6, respectively (p < 0.02). Cost analysis revealed no relevant change in cost-effectiveness per patient (median; interquartile range): €487; €103 to 1959 versus €616; €124 to 1455, respectively, in the pre- and post-EDOU period. In managing patients affected by HRPC-BTT, a clinical pathway involving the EDOU seems to be more effective than routine care with little impact on cost.

Risk factors for pulmonary complications, including pulmonary embolism, after total knee arthroplasty (TKA) in elderly Koreans

There has been a steady increase in elective TKA in elderly Koreans. However, there are few reports about the incidence of and risk factors for pulmonary complications, including pulmonary thromboembolism in these patients. We evaluated retrospectively 338 patients aged 60 years and over (290 females, median age 69 years) to assess the incidence and predictive factors for pulmonary complications, including pulmonary thromboembolism after TKA. Of these patients, 264 underwent simultaneous bilateral TKA (78%) by two surgeons and 56 (17%) had general anesthesia. No patient received thromboprophylaxis. There were 49 postoperative pulmonary complications in the 338 patients (14.2%, 49/338). Of the 49 patients, 27 developed atelectasis (27/49), six developed pneumonia (6/49), and four had pleural effusions (4/49) within 7 days of the surgery; 12 patients had a pulmonary thromboembolism (12/49) during their hospitalization. No pulmonary complication was fatal. Multivariate analysis revealed that pulmonary hypertension (right ventricular systolic pressure ≥ 35 mmHg on transthoracic echocardiography; odds ratio (OR) = 3.0, p = 0.016) was independently associated with pulmonary complications. A resting PaCO 2 ≥ 45 mmHg (OR = 22.9, p = 0.004) was the only independent predictor of the development of a pulmonary thromboembolism. Pulmonary hypertension may thus predict pulmonary complications and a PaCO 2 greater than 45 mmHg may be a risk factor for pulmonary thromboembolism following TKA. Preoperative blood gas analysis and transthoracic echocardiography can identify those patients at high risk for pulmonary complications, including pulmonary thromboembolism, after TKA in elderly Korean patients.

La riabilitazione respiratoria mediante l’utilizzo della spirometria incentivante in ambito ortopedico-traumatologico

Published reports do not agree in defining the relevance of post-operative use of incentive spirometry. In the Authors’ opinion, respiratory rehabilitation by incentive spirometry after surgery should be recommended in patients at high risk of pulmonary complications

The Impact of Continuous Lateral Rotation Therapy in Overall Clinical and Financial Outcomes of Critically Ill Patients

Significant pulmonary complications are prevalent in intubated and mechanically ventilated patients. This study was conducted to determine the impact of continuous lateral rotation therapy (CLRT) on patients considered to be at high risk for pulmonary complications. Overall study objectives included hospital length of stay, critical care length of stay, ventilator days, and cost to treat. Patients at risk for pulmonary complications as defined by Pao2/Fio2 ratio < 300, Fio2 > 50% for more than 1 hour, positive end-expiratory pressure > or = 8, or a Predicus score of > or = 5 were compared with a historical comparison group that met the high-risk criteria given above and did not receive CLRT. Patients who received CLRT were separated into 2 groups, early CLRT group (began therapy within 48 hours, n = 49) or late CLRT group (n = 46). The early CLRT group had a reduction in critical care LOS, (P = .04) as compared with the non-CLRT group. Total hospital costs were reduced (P = .01) in the early intervention group compared to the late intervention group, as well as ICU LOS (P = .02). Nonsignificant trends were seen in reduced ventilator days and hospital LOS. Reintubation rates and readmissions to critical care were also lower in the early intervention group. Continuous lateral rotation therapy, when introduced early in course of treatment of high-risk patients, reduces critical care LOS and cost to treat.

Systemic Leukofiltration Does Not Attenuate Pulmonary Injury after Cardiopulmonary Bypass

Pulmonary injury mediated by activated leukocytes is a recognized complication of cardiopulmonary bypass. The aim of this paper is to systematically analyze the effects of systemic leukofiltration within the cardiopulmonary bypass circuit on pulmonary injury and related clinical outcomes. We performed a systematic search to identify randomized controlled trials reporting on the effects of systemic leukofiltration on respiratory parameters. Random effect meta-analytical techniques were applied to identify differences in outcomes between the two groups. Sensitivity and subgroup analyses were undertaken to evaluate study heterogeneity. Incorporating 995 patients, 21 studies satisfied the inclusion criteria. Systemic leukofiltration significantly increased the PaO2/FiO2 ratio within 12 hours of bypass cessation, (weighted mean difference (WMD), 25.97; 95% confidence interval (CI), 3.41-48.53; p = 0.02) but this effect was lost by 24 hours (WMD, 12.98; 95% CI, -7.93-33.89; p = 0.22). Leukofiltration significantly reduced the duration of ventilatory support postoperatively (WMD, -2.11 hours; 95% CI, -0.65 to -3.58; p = 0.005), but had no impact on postoperative chest infection, intensive care length of stay or hospital length of stay. The heterogeneity of the included studies was high, due to poor quality study design and failure to include patients at high risk of pulmonary complications. Systemic leukofiltration may attenuate bypass-related lung injury in the early postoperative period, but this does not seem to translate to clinically significant differences in outcomes.

Thin-Section CT Findings in Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation Recipients with Respiratory Virus Pneumonia

The purpose of this study was to use serial thin-section CT scans to assess the incidence of respiratory viral infection and lung abnormalities in a large patient population at high risk of pulmonary complications. The study population consisted of 26 recipients of hematopoietic stem cell transplants who had proven respiratory viral pneumonia. In all cases, thin-section CT scans were obtained before fiberoptic bronchoscopy and bronchoalveolar lavage. The study included only patients in whom bronchoalveolar lavage fluid showed no evidence of organisms other than respiratory viruses. The CT scans were assessed for the presence, extent, and anatomic distribution of ground-glass attenuation, air-space consolidation, nodules, centrilobular branching structures (tree-in-bud), thickening of the bronchovascular bundles, and pleural effusion. Areas of ground-glass attenuation were identified in 24 (92%) of 26 patients and were the only finding in eight patients. Multiple nodules, seen in 17 (65%) of 26 patients, measured 3-10 mm in diameter or were larger than 10 mm. The nodules had a centrilobular or random distribution. A tree-in-bud appearance was seen in six of the patients with centrilobular nodules. This pattern had a bilateral distribution and involved mainly the lower lung zones. CT revealed thickening of the bronchovascular bundles in 16 (61%) of the patients. Thickening was bilateral in 14 and unilateral in two patients. Bronchial wall thickening involved the lower lobes in six patients and had a patchy random distribution in the remaining nine patients. Air-space consolidation was present in nine (35%) of the cases. It had a lobular or subsegmental distribution in eight of the patients and a segmental distribution in one patient. Areas of consolidation were randomly distributed throughout the lungs in all cases. Less common findings included bilateral pleural effusion and bronchial dilatation. Respiratory viral infection is common among adult recipients of hematopoietic stem cell transplants, occurring over a wide time span after transplantation. The presence of respiratory viral infection must be considered in any patient with new respiratory symptoms, fever, or findings at CT such as extensive or patchy areas of ground-glass opacities or a mixture of patterns, most commonly ground-glass attenuation, thickening of the bronchial walls, and multiple small nodules.

Bronchial Mucus Transport Velocity in Patients Receiving Propofol and Remifentanil Versus Sevoflurane and Remifentanil Anesthesia

Volatile anesthetics reduce ciliary beat frequency in vitro. It has been reported that impaired bronchial mucus transport velocity (BTV) is associated with significantly increased pulmonary complications. In this study, we sought to determine in vivo differences in BTV, comparing patients having total IV anesthesia (TIVA) with propofol and remifentanil to anesthesia with sevoflurane and remifentanil. Twenty-two patients scheduled for elective general surgery were randomized to one of two groups: TIVA (propofol/remifentanil) or SEVO (sevoflurane/remifentanil). Thirty minutes after tracheal intubation, BTV was assessed by fiberoptic observation of the movement of methylene blue dye applied to the dorsal surface of the right main bronchus. BTV was significantly reduced in the SEVO group compared with the TIVA group (mean, 1.5 +/- 0.7 [0-2.3] versus 4.8 +/- 2.1 [2.3-8.8] mm/min; P < 0.0001). Anesthesia with sevoflurane may lead to significantly impaired bronchociliary clearance in comparison to TIVA. This could have implications for perioperative pulmonary complications, in particular in patients at risk for pulmonary complications.

Gastroesophageal Reflux in the Preterm Neonate

After completing this article, readers should be able to: 1. Describe the epidemiology and pathophysiology of gastroesophageal reflux (GER) in preterm neonates. 2. Delineate the associations of GER with apnea, chronic lung disease, behavior, and growth of preterm infants. 3. Review the investigations used to evaluate GER in preterm infants. 4. Describe nonpharmacologic and pharmacologic therapies for GER. Gastroesophageal reflux (GER) is a normal physiologic event occurring across the age spectrum. It may contribute to a variety of disorders, including esophagitis, feeding problems, and airway disease in all age groups. (1) A large number of symptoms and signs have been purported to be caused by GER despite a lack of data showing a clear association between a specific symptom and GER. In preterm infants, empiric therapy often is administered using agents of unproven efficacy and safety to treat symptoms that likely are unrelated to GER. In a survey on management practices for GER in preterm infants, common treatment strategies included positioning (98%) and slopes (96%), histamine 2 (H 2) receptor antagonists (100%), feed thickeners (98%), antacids (96%), prokinetics (79%), proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) (65%), and dopamine receptor antagonists (53%). (2)(3) The safety, efficacy, and appropriate dosing recommendations for most medical therapies remain uncertain in neonates. In this review, we attempt to summarize the current literature regarding physiology, pathophysiology, and diagnostic and management strategies for GER pertinent to the neonate, with an emphasis on the preterm infant. GER describes the retrograde movement of stomach contents (air or feeding, liquid or semisolid, acid or alkaline, enzymes or bile salts) into the esophagus. GER disease (GERD) occurs when GER causes symptoms or signs such as pain, poor weight gain, esophagitis, hematemesis, and airway symptoms, including apnea, aspiration, recurrent pneumonia, chronic lung disease (CLD), or large airway inflammation. However, any of these symptoms or signs …

Incidence and Predictors of Postoperative Pulmonary Complications after Nonthoracic Surgery in Patients of 65 Years Old or More

Background : As number of the older patients for general elective surgery is increasing, postoperative pulmonary complications in the elderly are common and are a significant source of morbidity and mortality. Methods : We retrospectively evaluated the incidence and predictors of postoperative pulmonary complications in 206 patients of 65 years old or more who underwent general elective nonthoracic surgery. Postoperative pulmonary complications were defined as newly developed atelectasis, pneumonia, pulmonary thromboembolism and acute respiratory failure requiring mechanical ventilation following surgery. Results : There were 28 (13.6%) postoperative pulmonary complications. Statistically significant predictors of pulmonary complications were as follows: underlying lung disease (odds ratio, 3.2; p<0.01), recent (within 2 weeks) upper respiratory tract infection (OR, 10.6; p<0.05), upper abdominal incision (OR, 4.9; p<0.001), duration of operation of 3 hours or more (OR, 2.9; p<0.05), a PaO2 of less than 75 mmHg (OR, 3.4; p<0.01), a alveolar-arterial oxygen difference [D(A-a)O2] of 30 mmHg or more (OR, 5.9; p<0.001), a serum albumin of 3.0 g/dL or less (OR, 4.9; p<0.001). Multiple logistic regression analyses revealed four preoperative clinical factors that are independently associated with pulmonary complications: a serum albumin of 3.0 g/dL or less (OR, 8.0; p<0.01), upper abdominal incision (OR, 5.7; p<0.01), a D(A-a)O2 of 30 mmHg or more (OR, 4.8; p<0.01), a forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) of less than 1.0L (OR, 7.2; p<0.01). Conclusion : Preoperative spirometry, blood gas analysis and measurement of serum albumin can identify those patients with high risk for pulmonary complications after nonthoracic surgery among the aged.(Korean J Med 67:65-72, 2004)

Perioperative corticosteroids for intermittent and mild persistent asthma

Asthmatics are considered to be at high risk for pulmonary complications during general anesthesia with tracheal intubation. The purpose of the present study was to determine the usefulness of perioperative corticosteroids for mild asthmatics in preventing perioperative exacerbation of asthma. Airway hyperresponsiveness to inhaled methacholine was determined in patients with intermittent (n = 27) and mild persistent (n = 48) asthma before general anesthesia who underwent surgery between January 1990 and January 1999. All patients were treated with corticosteroids during the perioperative period, consisting of a course of oral prednisolone 10–20 mg/day for 1–2 days pre-operatively, methylprednisolone 80–125 mg 2 h before the operation, followed by 80 mg methylprednisolone just after the operation. The incidence of perioperative bronchospasm was evaluated based on medical records. Airway hyperresponsiveness to inhaled methacholine was determined in six other asthmatics before and after a similar regimen of perioperative corticosteroids treatment. Only three cases (4.0%) developed mild asthma during the perioperative period. No evidence of adverse effects of corticosteroids was noted in any case. The use of the same therapeutic regimen in another six asthmatics significantly suppressed airway hyperresponsiveness to inhaled methacholine. Our results suggest that perioperative corticosteroids are effective in preventing perioperative bronchospasm in stable asthmatics during surgery under general anesthesia by suppressing airway hyperresponsiveness.

Atelectasis And Mucus Plugging In Spinal Cord Injury: Case Report And Therapeutic Approaches

Introduction: The leading causes ofmorbidity and mortality in the spinal cord injury (SCI) population are airway mucus plugging and atelectasis.Objective: To illustrate the risks of pulmonary disease in individuals with SCI, and present effective therapeutic interventions.Design: Case study of a 60-year-old veteran with T7 ASIA A spinal cord injury, who presented with a complete collapse of the left lung.Findings: This patient developed fever; sepsis, and acute renal failure following colonoscopy. Following nephrostomy to remove a calculus, chest x-ray revealed complete collapse of the left lung. Despite the severe degree of atelectasis, he exhibited only mild respiratory distress. Aggressive treatment including chest physiotherapy techniques and pharmacologic intervention (acetylcysteine; bronchodilators) resulted in significant radiographic and clinical improvement. After his return to the SCI unit, his respiratory function was monitored, and assisted cough techniques were continued.Conclusions: Individuals with SCI have high risk of pulmonary complications. Because of neurological deficits, the usual signs and symptoms may not be apparent. Optimal management depends upon awareness of the risks, and a thorough understanding of the pathophysiology of mucus plugging and atelectasis and the alterations in pulmonary mechanics (dependent on level of injury).J Spinal Cord Med. 2001 ;24:284–288

Early versus delayed stabilization of pediatric femur fractures: analysis of 387 patients.

To assess the effect of timing of femur fracture stabilization on pulmonary complication rates in pediatric trauma patients. Retrospective review. Level I trauma center. Three hundred eighty-seven previously healthy patients from zero to fifteen years of age with traumatic diaphyseal femur fractures. Femur fracture stabilization: early (less than twenty-four hours after injury) in 213 patients and late in 174 patients. Age, sex, GCS (Glasgow Coma Score), AIS/ISS (Abbreviated Injury Score/Injury Severity Score), timing of fracture stabilization, duration of mechanical ventilation, intensive care unit stay, and hospital stay were recorded. Pulmonary complications, including pneumonia, respiratory distress syndrome, and pulmonary embolus, were recorded. Thirteen patients developed pulmonary complications. Twelve of these had severe head injuries (GCS < or = 8). One had sustained an upper cervical spine fracture that resulted in quadriplegia. Statistical analysis revealed GCS, GCS < or = 8, ISS, and head and neck AIS to be significant predictors of pulmonary complications. Early stabilization of femur fractures had no apparent effect on the pulmonary complication rate. Pulmonary complications are rare in pediatric femur fracture patients. Patients with severe head injuries (GCS < or = 8) or cervical spinal cord injuries are at high risk for pulmonary complications. The timing of femur fracture stabilization does not appear to affect the prevalence of pulmonary complications in these patients.

Perioperative Respiratory Complications in Patients with Asthma

WARNER, D. O.; WARNER, M. A.; BARNES, R. D.; OFFORD, K. P.; SCHROEDER, D. R.; GRAY, D. T.; YUNGINGER, J. W. Author Information

Perioperative respiratory complications in patients with asthma.

Patients with asthma are thought to be at high risk for pulmonary complications to develop during the perioperative period, and these complications may lead to serious morbidity. Existing medical records were reviewed to determine the frequency of and risk factors for perioperative pulmonary complications in a cohort of residents of Rochester, Minnesota, who had asthma and who underwent anesthesia and surgery at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester. Medical records were reviewed for all residents of Rochester, Minnesota, who were initially diagnosed as having definite asthma according to strict criteria from 1 January 1964 through 31 December 1983 who subsequently had at least one surgical procedure involving a general anesthetic or central neuroaxis block at the Mayo Clinic (n = 706). Bronchospasm was documented in the perioperative records of 12 patients (1.7% [exact 95% confidence interval, 0.9 to 3%]). Postoperative respiratory failure developed in one of these patients. Laryngospasm developed in two additional patients during operation. All episodes of bronchospasm and laryngospasm in the immediate perioperative period were treated successfully. No episodes of pneumothorax, pneumonia, or death in the hospital were noted. For univariate analysis, characteristics associated with complications included the recent use of antiasthmatic drugs, recent asthma symptoms, and recent therapy in a medical facility for asthma. Patients in whom complications developed were significantly older at diagnosis and at surgery. The frequency of perioperative bronchospasm and laryngospasm was surprisingly low in this cohort of persons with asthma. These complications did not lead to severe respiratory outcomes in most patients. The frequency of complications was increased in older patients and in those with active asthma.

Risk of Pulmonary Complications After Elective Abdominal Surgery

Intra-abdominal operations are relatively high risk for pulmonary complications. Previous research has more intensely investigated cardiac operative risk, but recent work suggests that significant pulmonary complications may be more common than cardiac complications and associated with longer length of stay. This study identified risk indicators for pulmonary complications after elective abdominal operations. Nested case-control. University affiliated Veterans Affairs hospital. We used a computerized registry of all 2,291 patients undergoing elective abdominal operations from 1982 to 1991. Ascertainment and verification of pulmonary and cardiac complications were systematic and explicit. Charts of all 116 patients identified by the registry as having complications and 412 (19%) randomly selected from 2,175 remaining patients were reviewed to verify complications, using explicit criteria and independent abstraction of preoperative and postoperative components of charts. From 528 validated subjects (23% of the cohort), 82 cases and 82 control subjects were closely matched by operation type and age, +/- 10 years. The primary outcome measure was postoperative pulmonary complications. Among 82 cases with pulmonary complications, 27 (33%) also had cardiac complications. Preoperative variables independently associated with pulmonary complications by multivariable analysis (p < or = 0.05) included the following: Charlson comorbidity index (per point odds ratio [OR], 1.6; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.004 to 2.6), Goldman cardiac risk index (per point OR, 2.04; 95% CI, 1.17 to 3.6), abnormal chest radiograph (OR, 3.2; 95% CI, 1.07 to 9.4), and abnormal findings on lung examination (OR, 5.8; 95% CI, 1.04 to 32). Equal proportions of cases and control subjects had preoperative diagnostic spirometry. No component of spirometry predicted complications, including severity of obstructive lung disease. For pulmonary operative risk, abnormal results of lung examination and chest radiography plus cardiac and overall comorbidity were important. Spirometry was not helpful. Because 33% of cases had both cardiac and pulmonary complications, future studies should prospectively examine comparative incidence, outcomes, and predictors of both type of complications.

Aortic reconstruction in high-risk pulmonary patients.

Seventeen patients with clinical chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) who required aortic reconstruction underwent preoperative pulmonary function testing that categorized them as extremely high risk for pulmonary complications. Ten patients (Group 1) received perioperative steroids and seven patients (Group 2) received no perioperative adjunctive steroids. The mean forced expiratory volume (FEV 1) was 45% of the predicted value in Group 1 patients and 47% in Group 2 patients. The forced expiratory flow (25% to 75%) was severely restricted in both groups: 0.47 liters per second in Group 1 (16% +/- 6% predicted value) and 0.53 liters per second (20% +/- 7% predicted value) in Group 2 patients. Using a regimen consisting of preoperative pulmonary physiotherapy, optimization of theophylline levels, and early postoperative extubation with initiation of postoperative physiotherapy resulted in survival in all cases. There did not appear to be a clear advantage to the use of adjunctive perioperative steroids. The overall incidence of pulmonary complications was 22%. Four patients died during the follow-up interval. The remaining 13 patients were alive at a mean follow-up interval of 35 months. Using a number of adjunctive techniques, successful aortic reconstruction can be accomplished in many patients with severe COPD, and the majority will survive for extended periods after operation despite their impaired pulmonary function.

Spinal and General Anesthesia

To the Editor.— Spielman and Watson, in their article entitled Spinal Anesthesia (1983;249:734), present an overly optimistic view of spinal anesthesia. However, there are caveats to be noted. Arterial hypotension induced by spinal anesthesia that can be eliminated by 500 to 1,000 mL of fluid or α-and β-stimulating drugs places the cardiac patient at high risk, since he may be unable to tolerate such therapy. Overall mortality, postoperative myocardial infarction, and arrhythmia are not diminished by spinal anesthesia.1 In the elderly with hip fractures, spinal and general anesthesia have the same mortality.2 Although evidence may indicate that a normal person does not suffer impaired resting ventilation, patients with pulmonary disease are at high risk for pulmonary complications. With general anesthesia and intubation, support and convalescence can be continued as long as needed.2 There is no question that spinal anesthesia is safe in a normal person,

Le sevrage de la ventilation artificielle en période postopératoire chez l'adulte

Pulmonary complications remain the most frequent of postoperative complications (32–60), especially after upper abdominal surgery (14–41). Chronic respiratory insufficiency (80) also continues to be a major risk factor, in spite of the progress made in both anesthesiology and postoperative care. In the immediate postoperative period, weaning from mechanical ventilation is one of the most dangerous phases of anesthesia (84). We discuss the importance of weaning procedures, in particular, in patients with a high risk of pulmonary complications.