[Respiratory functional evaluation in surgical patients].

Preoperative respiratory evaluation is examined in the light of factors likely to influence the conduct of the operation and its subsequent course. The methods required for this purpose are reviewed. Attention is first given to changes in specific respiratory components (alveolar exchange surface area, ventilation, diffusion and circulation) and their associated activities (chest mechanics, pulmonary circulation, motor nervous system), and those dependent on the type of surgery (lung, chest, abdomen, other parts). Next, the measurement methods available, the criteria for evaluating the data, and the criteria whereby candidates are selected for emergency surgery, surgery after thorough checking and extensive examination, general surgery, and chest surgery are explained. Lastly, the specific case of patients with typically respiratory diseases is discussed.