Postoperative respiratory insufficiency.

Respiratory insufficiency is one of the most common and most serious complications of the postoperative period. Preexisting risk factors include cardiopulmonary disease, significant smoking history, obesity and advanced age. The risk of postoperative respiratory insufficiency is increased in emergency surgical procedures (particularly those related to trauma), procedures involving the chest or upper abdomen and procedures requiring prolonged anesthesia. Postoperatively, prolonged sedation or neuromuscular blockade, cardiovascular instability, respiratory problems and immobilization are important risk factors. Common clinical causes of respiratory insufficiency are atelectasis, aspiration, pulmonary edema and pulmonary embolism. Management strategies are directed at treatment of the cause of the insufficiency and restoration of pulmonary function. All surgical patients should be carefully assessed before surgery, monitored closely during and after the procedure, and aggressively treated to prevent or correct respiratory insufficiency.