Risk factors associated with postoperative pulmonary complications following total abdominal hysterectomy.

The purpose of this descriptive correlational study was to describe the relationships between risk factors and the development of postoperative pulmonary complications (PPCs) following total abdominal hysterectomy (TAH). As part of a large, prospective study, data were analyzed on a subset of women who had undergone TAH. Data collection included a preoperative interview and chest exam followed by a daily postoperative interview, chest exam, and review of the medical chart. A multicriteria definition of PPC was used for atelectasis/pneumonia. This study describes the incidence of PPCs in a TAH surgical population and provides foundational work to begin identifying important risk factors to guide pulmonary care.