[The occurrence of intra- and postoperative cardiovascular and pulmonary complications in relation to the preoperative condition of patients. A prospective study].

700 patients were prospectively studied and their development analysed from date of premedication to 28 days postoperative or date of discharge. Concomitant diseases and intra- and/or postoperative complications were documented. Analysing the patients an increasing frequency of risk classes 3 to 5 depending on age were found. Cardiac disorders were more frequently observed after the age of 41.33% of the observed patients were recompensated in respect to the myocardium, 4.5% suffered from angina pectoris and 1.5% showed clinical signs of cardial insufficiency. ECG abnormalities were registered particularly after the age of 41; nevertheless 2.5% of young patients to the age of 20 showed pathological electrocardiograms (ECG). More than 33% of the patients studied were hypertensive and 15% suffered from concomitant lung or airway diseases. Analysing the complications of the cardiocirculatory system an overall frequency of 70% was found, depending on corresponding side diseases and their underlying therapy. Intraoperative complications of the respiratory system are rare; in the postoperative course they became important and were 3 times more common in patients with lung or airway disorders. We conclude that one may achieve a risk diminution by appreciating the risk and by very careful preoperative examination and therapy.