[Postoperative pulmonary complications in patients undergoing thoracic surgery with special reference to preoperative respiratory muscle strength and nutrition].

Postoperative pulmonary complications in patients undergoing thoracic surgery were examined along with their preoperative respiratory muscle strength and nutrition. Respiratory muscle strength was assessed by maximum inspiratory (MIP) and expiratory (MEP) pressures. Nutrition was assessed by serum levels of albumin and total cholesterol. The examined cases include 51 cases of lung tumors, 8 cases of mediastinal tumors, 9 cases of empyema, 3 cases of esophageal cancer, 2 cases of chest wall tumors, and 2 cases of giant bulla. Preoperative respiratory muscle training increased both MIP and MEP significantly (p < 0.01). Thirteen patients who had postoperative pulmonary complications had significantly lower values (p < 0.01), and did not show significant increases in either MIP or MEP even after training. The cases which experienced complications also showed significantly lower preoperative serum levels of albumin and total cholesterol (p < 0.01). Therefore, patients with respiratory muscle weakness and poor nutrition have a higher risk of postoperative pulmonary complications.