Pulmonary complications associated with head and neck cancer surgery

Objective: To evaluate the frequency of short-term pulmonary complications in the patients undergoing various head and neck cancer surgeries in our setup and to assess possible risk factors responsible for these complications. Study Design: Quasi experimental study. Place and Duration of Study: Department of ENT, Head and Neck Surgery, Combined Military Hospital, Rawalpindi from July 2005 till August 2006. Patients and Methods: Seventy patients of age group 20 to 80 years, regardless of gender, treated surgically for head and neck cancers were enrolled. Main outcome measures included development of pulmonary complications following 15 days of oncological surgery. The complications studied were pneumothorax, bronchopneumonia, atelectasis, pulmonary embolism and cardiopulmonary arrest. Results: A total of 24.28% patients suffered from postoperative pulmonary complications; 17.14% developed bronchopneumonia, 5.71% pulmonary embolism, and 1.42% went into cardiopulmonary arrest, none developed pneumothorax or pulmonary atelectasis. A significant correlation of postoperative bronchopneumonia was seen with heavy smoking and assisted ventilation. Pulmonary embolism was associated with extended assisted ventilation and prolonged surgery. Cardiopulmonary arrest was associated with comorbidity and assisted ventilation after surgery. Conclusion: The frequency of bronchopneumonia supersedes all of the postoperative pulmonary complications in head and neck oncological surgery. Patients at risk of developing postoperative complications are heavy smokers, diabetics, those undergoing prolonged surgery, tracheostomy, and extended assisted ventilation.     

Complications of long operations: a prospective study of morbidity associated with prolonged operative time (> 6 h).

Reconstructive surgical procedures often take a long time to perform and duration of surgery is frequently cited as a major risk factor for postoperative complications. Whether operative time is an independent risk factor is unknown, as patients undergoing long operations may have numerous other risk factors. From September 1996 to September 1997, we prospectively assessed those patients undergoing reconstructive surgery lasting 6 h or more. A total of 62 patients were studied and they were grouped into three categories: head and neck surgery (n = 23), breast reconstruction (n = 18) and upper and lower limb surgery (n = 21). Postoperative complications were recorded and the results of each group compared. Each of the three patient categories had a similar mean duration of surgery but there were large differences in postoperative morbidity between the three groups, e.g. within the head and neck group postoperative respiratory and wound complications occurred in 43% and 26% of patients, respectively. In the limb surgery group, however, only 5% of patients had respiratory complications and 5% had wound complications. Despite having similar duration of surgery the differences in postoperative complications between the three groups suggest that duration of surgery alone is not a major determinant of postoperative morbidity and that the type of surgery performed and the patient's general health are more important predictors of outcome.     

A comparison of intrathecal opioid and intravenous analgesia for the incidence of cardiovascular,respiratory, and renal complications after abdominal aortic surgery

Major surgery evokes a stress response that can produce deleterious consequences, especially in a population at high risk for those complications. We tested the hypothesis that decreasing or eliminating one of the sources of stress by providing intense analgesia in the immediate postoperative period via application of neuraxial opioids would decrease major nonsurgical complications. Two-hundred-seventeen patients scheduled to undergo abdominal aortic surgery were randomly allocated to receive either general anesthesia alone (control) or general anesthesia combined with intrathecal opioid (1 micro g/kg sufentanil with 8 micro g/kg preservative-free morphine injected at the L4-5 interspace). Postoperative care was identical in the two groups, including patient-controlled analgesia. Each patient provided an assessment of postoperative pain using a visual analog scale. Postopera-tive complications were recorded according to criteria established a priori. The administration of intrathecal opioid provided more intense analgesia than patient-controlled analgesia during the first 24 h postoperatively (P < 0.05). There was no difference between groups for the incidence of combined major cardiovascular, respiratory, and renal complications (P > 0.05) or mortality (P > 0.05). The incidence of myocardial damage or infarction, as defined by abnormal plasma concentration of troponin I, did not differ between the two groups (P > 0.05). In patients undergoing major abdominal vascular surgery, decrease of one contributor to postoperative stress, by provision of intense analgesia for the intraoperative and initial postoperative period, via application of neuraxial opioid, does not alter the combined major cardiovascular, respiratory, and renal complication rate. IMPLICATIONS: Provision of intense analgesia for the initial postoperative period after major abdominal vascular surgery, via the administration of neuraxial opioid, does not alter the combined incidence of major cardiovascular, respiratory, and renal complications.     

Incidence of deep venous thrombosis and pulmonary embolism in otolaryngology–head and neck surgery

OBJECTIVE: Postoperative deep venous thrombosis and pulmonary embolus are major causes of morbidity and mortality in patients undergoing surgical procedures. In contrast to other surgical fields, the incidence of these life-threatening conditions has not been studied in our specialty. The purposes of this study were to elucidate the incidence of deep venous thrombosis and pulmonary embolus in patients after otolaryngologic operations and to identify specific risk factors that may contribute to the development of these conditions. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was done of 12,805 total operations on adults done by the Department of Otolaryngology at our institution from January 1987 to December 1994 to determine the number of patients in whom postoperative deep venous thrombosis and pulmonary embolus developed. Patients in whom a postoperative thromboembolic event developed after an otolaryngologic surgical procedure were identified by the medical records department with use of an abstracting database. This search cross-referenced disease-specific codes for otolaryngologic procedures with the codes for deep venous thrombosis and pulmonary embolus to identify the 34 patients in this report. Results (rounded to the nearest decimal point) were then categorized according to the different subspecialties within otolaryngology, and appropriate statistical analysis tests were performed on the resulting data. RESULTS: Thirty-four patients with postoperative deep vein thrombosis were identified during the study period, for an overall incidence of 0.3%. Of these 34 patients, 24 also had a pulmonary embolus for an overall incidence of 0.2%. The incidence of deep venous thrombosis (and pulmonary embolus) in the subspecialties was as follows: head and neck surgery, 0.6% (0.4%); otology/neurotology, 0.3% (0.2%); head and neck trauma and plastic surgery, 0.1% (0.1%); and general otolaryngology, 0.1% (0.04%). Only the patient’s age and the presence or absence of pneumatic compression devices were identified as independent risk factors for the development of a thromboembolic event. CONCLUSIONS: Postoperative pulmonary embolus is a rare occurrence in the field of otolaryngology–head and neck surgery. When it does occur, it causes significant morbidity and increases the cost of care for that patient. We discuss our approach to categorizing patients into low-, intermediate-, and high-risk groups, as well as prophylaxis against pulmonary embolus. (Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 1998;118:777-84.)     

Identifizierung von Risikofaktoren postoperativer Komplikationen in der primären Knieendoprothetik

AIM: Postoperative complications following primary total knee replacement performed between 2000 and 2002 were assessed to determine perioperative patient- and procedure-related risks associated with the procedure. METHODS: For this analysis, the data collected during postoperative hospitalization for 17,644 total knee arthroplasties were assessed. The analysis included two steps. First, using logistic regression, we identified and quantified significant risk factors for the occurrence of general postoperative complications. Second, univariate analysis was utilized to qualitatively and quantitatively analyze the influence of these significant risk factors on the occurrence of major complications (hematoma, cardiovascular complication, deep venous thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, joint infection, and pneumonia). RESULTS: General postoperative complications were reported in 11.3%. Major postoperative complications occurred in 7.2% with hematoma in 2.9%, cardiovascular complications in 1.8%, deep venous thrombosis in 1.2%, pulmonary embolism in 0.2%, joint infection in 0.8%, and pneumonia in 0.3%. Patient-related risk factors such as age, surgery time, gender, high ASA classification as well as procedure-related risk factors such as allogeneic blood transfusions and lateral release significantly increased the rate of postoperative complications. Males were more prone to hematoma, joint infection, and pneumonia in the immediate postoperative course than females, who were more in danger of developing deep venous thrombosis. Allogeneic blood transfusions increased the risk for postoperative hematoma, infection, and cardiovascular complication. Regional anesthesia was shown to decrease the risk for the occurrence of postoperative deep venous thrombosis and pulmonary embolism. CONCLUSIONS: Postoperative complications in total knee replacement are increased in males and elder patients. Increased time of surgery and allogeneic blood transfusions also represent important risk factors for postoperative complications following primary total knee replacement.     

Sevoflurane vs. isoflurane: a clinical comparison in day surgery

Discharge times after ambulatory surgery are determined by postoperative complications and in particular by the presence and severity of nausea and vomiting. Sevoflurane has become a popular agent for day-case surgery despite little evidence of clear advantages over current alternatives. We compared this agent with isoflurane in day-case patients undergoing knee arthroscopy in order to quantify the incidence of complications associated with each agent. One hundred and eighty patients received a standardised anaesthetic induction with propofol and fentanyl followed by maintenance with either isoflurane or sevoflurane. Standardised postoperative analgesic and anti-emetic drugs were prescribed. Any intra-operative cardiovascular or respiratory instability was recorded. After surgery, nausea, vomiting and pain were assessed. Almost all patients made an uneventful recovery and were discharged as scheduled. There was a significantly higher incidence of complications in the sevoflurane group. These included the presence of nausea and vomiting, and cardiovascular and respiratory complications. We found nothing to commend the routine use of sevoflurane rather than isoflurane in the context of day case anaesthesia.     

Anaesthetic practice and postoperative pulmonary complications

The aim of this study was to identify risk factors associated with postoperative pulmonary complications. The influence of the anaesthetic technique was evaluated (i.e. general contra regional anaesthesia and long contra intermediately acting muscle relaxants (pancuronium and atracurium)) taking into account the patient's age, the presence or absence of chronic obstructive lung disease (preoperative risk factors), the type of surgery and the duration of anaesthesia (perioperative risk factors). Seven thousand and twenty-nine patients undergoing abdominal, urological, gynaecological or orthopaedic surgery were included in the study. A total of 290 patients (4.1%) suffered from one or more postoperative pulmonary complications. Six thousand and sixty-two patients received general anaesthesia and 4.5% of these had postoperative pulmonary complications. Of the patients admitted to major surgery receiving pancuronium, 12.7% (135/1062) developed postoperative pulmonary complications, compared to only 5.1% (23/449) receiving atracurium (P < 0.05). When stratified for type of surgery and duration of anaesthesia, conventional statistics showed no difference between pancuronium and atracurium as regard postoperative pulmonary complications. However, a logistic regression analysis indicated that long-lasting procedures involving pancuronium entailed a higher risk of postoperative pulmonary complications than did other procedures. In patients having regional anaesthesia, only 1.9% (18/967) developed postoperative pulmonary complications (P < 0.05 compared to general anaesthesia). However, when stratified for type of surgery there was a significantly higher incidence of postoperative pulmonary complications only in patients undergoing major orthopaedic surgery under general anaesthesia, 11.5% compared to 3.6% in patients given a regional anaesthesia.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

A prospective study of risk factors and cardiopulmonary complications associated with anaesthesia and surgery: risk indicators of cardiopulmonary morbidity

The aims of this study were: 1) to describe the frequency and type of cardiopulmonary complications, 2) to identify factors significantly associated with cardiovascular and pulmonary complications associated with anaesthesia and surgery, and 3) to estimate the total risk of cardiopulmonary complications for an anaesthetic when a combination of risk factors is present. Seven thousand three hundred and six anaesthetized patients undergoing gastrointestinal, urological, gynaecological, and orthopaedic surgery were included in the study; 6.3% (1:16) had one or more cardiovascular complications requiring intervention associated with anaesthesia and surgery, and 4.8% (1:21) had pulmonary complications. The total incidence of patients with one or more complications associated with anaesthesia and surgery was 9.4% (1:11). Based on logistic regression analyses, our data indicate that the following patient categories constitute high risk patients with regard to cardiovascular complications: patients aged greater than or equal to 70 years, patients with a history of ischaemic heart disease (IHD) with previous myocardial infarction less than 1 year, a history of chronic heart failure (CHF), and in patients admitted to major surgery. The extent of pulmonary complications following anaesthesia and surgery was significantly correlated to patients aged greater than or equal to 70 years, preoperative chronic obstructive lung disease (COLD), major surgery, and to general anaesthesia involving muscle relaxants. Attempts to estimate the cardiopulmonary complications which may accompany anaesthesia and surgery provided important information about the anaesthetic course and outcome. With our model it seems possible to distinguish between very different levels of cardiopulmonary risk in the anaesthetic patient.     

Evaluation and management of patients with pulmonary disease before thoracic and cardiovascular surgery

The risks of respiratory complications after thoracic and cardiovascular surgeries are particularly high for patients with chronic pulmonary disease and are associated with prolonged hospital stays and increased mortality. The primary goals of preoperative management are to identify risk factors and institute interventions likely to reduce subsequent postoperative pulmonary complications. Smoking, symptomatic obstructive lung disease, respiratory infection, obesity, and malnutrition are all potentially modifiable risk factors. Chest physiotherapy is indicated in all patients regardless of risk factor profile. Providing a thoughtfully designed, multifaceted course of preoperative care can result in a clinically significant reduction in postoperative morbidity and mortality, particularly if instituted well in advance of surgery.     

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??Pulmonary function evaluation and risk factors in patients accompanied with respiratory insufficiency WANG Jian-dong, QUAN Zhi-wei. Department of General Surgery, Xinhua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200092??China
Corresponding author: QUAN Zhi-wei, E-mail: zhiwquan@yahoo.com.cn
Abstract The incidence of postoperative pulmonary complications is still high in patients accompanied with respiratory insufficiency, which is one of the important influence factors on prognosis. A correct objective evaluation of pulmonary function should be given to patients accompanied with respiratory insufficiency, combined with adequately estimating the risk of operation, designing reasonable surgery scheme, drawing up perioperative therapy. The respiratory function should be improved as far as possible to enhance the surgical and anesthetic tolerance of the patients. Recent evaluation of pulmonary function includes respiratory function examination and cardiopulmonary functional reserve examination. Understanding risk factors in patients accompanied with respiratory insufficiency can help to diagnose high risk patients with postoperative pulmonary complications. Correct examination and treatment should be chosen to reduce the pulmonary complications.     

Pre-operative respiratory optimisation: an expert review

Postoperative pulmonary complications are common and cause increased mortality and hospital stay. Smoking and respiratory diseases including asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and obstructive sleep apnoea are associated with developing postoperative pulmonary complications. Independent risk factors for such complications also include low pre-operative oxygen saturation, or a recent respiratory infection. Postponing surgery in patients who have respiratory infections or inadequately treated respiratory disease, until these can be fully treated, should, therefore, reduce postoperative pulmonary complications. There is evidence from several studies that pre-operative smoking cessation reduces such complications, with no agreed duration at which the benefits become significant; the longer the abstinence, the greater the benefit. Intensive smoking cessation programmes are more effective, and there are long-term benefits, as many patients become permanent non-smokers following their surgery. Supervised exercise programmes normally last 6–8 weeks, and although they reduce overall complications, the evidence of benefit for postoperative pulmonary complications is mixed. High-intensity interval training can improve fitness in just 2 weeks, and so may be more useful for surgical patients. Specific respiratory pre-operative interventions, such as deep breathing exercises and incentive spirometry, can help when used as components of a package of respiratory care. Pre-operative inspiratory muscle training programmes that involve inspiration against a predetermined respiratory load may also reduce some postoperative pulmonary complications. Pre-operative exercise programmes are recommended for patients having major surgery, or in those where pre-operative testing has shown low levels of cardiorespiratory fitness; interval training or respiratory interventions are more feasible as these reduce complications after a shorter pre-operative intervention.     

Predictive factors for complications in elderly patients who underwent head and neck oncologic surgery

BACKGROUND: Postoperative complications are relevant outcomes in patients with head and neck tumor who have undergone surgery. Few trials have assessed predictive factors in older patients. We assessed the predictive effect of preoperative clinical factors on postoperative complications. METHODS: We conducted a cohort study with 242 patients older than 70 years with head and neck cancer who underwent surgery. Logistic regression identified predictive factors for postoperative complications. Significant variables were used to build a predictive index. RESULTS: Comorbidities were present in 87.6% of patients, and 56.6% had some type of complication (44.6% local and 28.5% systemic). Male sex, bilateral neck dissection, presence of 2 or more comorbidities, reconstruction, and clinical stage IV were associated with postoperative complications. The predictive index showed a receiver operating characteristics curve (ROC) area of 0.69. CONCLUSION: It is possible to predict postoperative complications in older patients with head and neck tumors who underwent oncologic surgery using clinical preoperative variables.     

Thromboembolic disease after foot and ankle surgery

BACKGROUND: The incidence and potential life-threatening complications of thromboembolic disease after major orthopaedic surgery has been extensively studied. However, there are two studies pertaining to the incidence of thromboembolic disease after foot and ankle surgery, the findings of which suggest that the incidence is too low to justify routine thromboprophylaxis. METHODS: This is a retrospective study identifying the incidence of thromboembolic disease after foot and ankle surgery in the practices of two foot and ankle specialists. The purpose of the study was to evaluate the risk factors for the development of thromboembolic disease and to examine the issue of routine thromboprophylaxis. Six hundred and two patients were included in this study. RESULTS: There was a 4% incidence (24 patients) of postoperative thromboembolic complications. Risk factors identified for postoperative thromboembolic disease were a history of rheumatoid arthritis, a recent history of air travel, previous deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism, and limb immobilization. CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of thromboembolic disease after foot and ankle surgery could be higher than that previously reported particularly if a patient has certain risk factors. Prospective randomized clinical trials are needed to establish the true incidence of thromboembolic disease after foot and ankle surgery and to define the indications for routine thromboprophylaxis.     

Evaluation of the risk of pulmonary complications after abdominal surgery

Pulmonary complications are frequent after abdominal surgery. The object of this study was to evaluate the incidence and the predisposing factors of the postoperative pulmonary complications with a particular attention to their definitions. It included 146 patients. The respiratory complications were separated into clinical complications (bronchitis), radiological complications (atelectasis) and hypoxaemia (PaO2 less than 70 mmHg). Clinical complications (23%) were correlated neither with radiological complications (57%) nor hypoxaemia (46%). They particularly occurred in patients with a preoperative history of respiratory disease. Preoperative risk factors were males, low PaO2 and decreased FEV1. Radiological complications were strongly correlated with postoperative hypoxaemia. Their incidence was not affected by a previous history of respiratory disease. Both radiological complications and hypoxaemia were predicted by age.     

Perioperative Cardiorespiratory Complications in Adults with Mediastinal Mass: Incidence and Risk Factors

Background: Patients with a mediastinal mass are at risk for cardiorespiratory complications in the perioperative period. The authors' objectives were to evaluate the incidence of life-threatening intraoperative cardiorespiratory and postoperative respiratory complications in adult patients and to study the usefulness of clinical signs and symptoms, radiologic evaluation, and pulmonary function tests in the determination of the perioperative risk.

Methods: The authors reviewed the investigation and treatment of adult patients presenting with anterior or middle mediastinal masses for surgery under anesthesia between January 1994 and July 2000.

Results: Ninety-eight patients underwent 105 anesthetic cases. The incidences of intraoperative cardiorespiratory and postoperative respiratory complications were 4 in 105 and 11 in 105, respectively. No collapse of the airways occurred during anesthesia. However, a high incidence of early postoperative life-threatening respiratory complications was observed (7 in 105). In a multivariate logistic regression analysis model, perioperative complications were predicted by the occurrence of cardiorespiratory signs and symptoms at the initial presentation (odds ratio [OR], 6.2) and the presence of combined obstructive and restrictive patterns (mixed pulmonary syndrome) on pulmonary function tests (OR, 3.9). Intraoperative complications were associated with pericardial effusion on computed tomography scan (OR, 19.8). Postoperative respiratory complications were related to tracheal compression of more than 50% on preoperative computed tomography scan evaluation (OR, 7.4) and mixed pulmonary syndrome on pulmonary function tests (OR, 15.1).     

Risk Factors for Adverse Postoperative Outcomes in Children Presenting for Cardiac Surgery with Upper Respiratory Tract Infections

Background: Otherwise healthy children who present for elective surgery with an upper respiratory infection (URI) may be at risk for perioperative respiratory complications. This risk may be increased in children with congenital heart disease who undergo cardiac surgery while harboring a URI because of their compromised cardiopulmonary status. Therefore, this study was designed to determine the incidence of peri- and postoperative complications in children undergoing cardiac surgery while harboring a URI.

Methods: The study population consisted of 713 children scheduled to undergo cardiac surgery. Of these, 96 had symptoms of URI, and 617 were asymptomatic. Children were followed prospectively from induction of anesthesia to discharge from the hospital to determine the incidence of postoperative respiratory, cardiovascular, neurologic, and surgical adverse events. Duration of postoperative ventilation, time in the intensive care unit (ICU), and length of hospital stay were also recorded.

Results: Children with URIs had a significantly higher incidence of respiratory and multiple postoperative complications than children with no URIs (29.2 vs. 17.3% and 25 vs. 10.3%, respectively;P < 0.01) and a higher incidence of postoperative bacterial infections (5.2 vs. 1.0%;P = 0.01). Furthermore, logistic regression indicated that the presence of a URI was an independent risk factor for multiple postoperative complications and postoperative infections in children undergoing open heart surgery. Children with URIs also stayed longer in the intensive care unit than children with no URIs (75.9 +/- 89.8 h vs. 57.7 +/- 63.8, respectively;P < 0.01). However, the overall length of hospital stay was not significantly different (8.4 vs. 7.8 days, URI vs. non-URI groups;P > 0.05).     

Risk factors for adverse postoperative outcomes in children presenting for cardiac surgery with upper respiratory tract infections

BACKGROUND: Otherwise healthy children who present for elective surgery with an upper respiratory infection (URI) may be at risk for perioperative respiratory complications. This risk may be increased in children with congenital heart disease who undergo cardiac surgery while harboring a URI because of their compromised cardiopulmonary status. Therefore, this study was designed to determine the incidence of peri- and postoperative complications in children undergoing cardiac surgery while harboring a URI. METHODS: The study population consisted of 713 children scheduled to undergo cardiac surgery. Of these, 96 had symptoms of URI, and 617 were asymptomatic. Children were followed prospectively from induction of anesthesia to discharge from the hospital to determine the incidence of postoperative respiratory, cardiovascular, neurologic, and surgical adverse events. Duration of postoperative ventilation, time in the intensive care unit (ICU), and length of hospital stay were also recorded. RESULTS: Children with URIs had a significantly higher incidence of respiratory and multiple postoperative complications than children with no URIs (29.2 vs 17.3% and 25 vs 10.3%, respectively; P< 0.01) and a higher incidence of postoperative bacterial infections (5.2 vs 1.0%; P= 0.01). Furthermore, logistic regression indicated that the presence of a URI was an independent risk factor for multiple postoperative complications and postoperative infections in children undergoing open heart surgery. Children with URIs also stayed longer in the intensive care unit than children with no URIs (75.9 +/- 89.8 h vs 57.7 +/- 63.8, respectively; P< 0.01). However, the overall length of hospital stay was not significantly different (8.4 vs 7.8 days, URI vs non-URI groups; P> 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The presence of a URI was predictive of postoperative infection and multiple complications in children presenting for cardiac surgery. Despite this, the presence of a URI does not appear to affect the patient's overall length of hospital stay nor the development of long-term sequelae.     

Perioperative cardiorespiratory complications in adults with mediastinal mass: incidence and risk factors

BACKGROUND: Patients with a mediastinal mass are at risk for cardiorespiratory complications in the perioperative period. The authors' objectives were to evaluate the incidence of life-threatening intraoperative cardiorespiratory and postoperative respiratory complications in adult patients and to study the usefulness of clinical signs and symptoms, radiologic evaluation, and pulmonary function tests in the determination of the perioperative risk. METHODS: The authors reviewed the investigation and treatment of adult patients presenting with anterior or middle mediastinal masses for surgery under anesthesia between January 1994 and July 2000. RESULTS: Ninety-eight patients underwent 105 anesthetic cases. The incidences of intraoperative cardiorespiratory and postoperative respiratory complications were 4 in 105 and 11 in 105, respectively. No collapse of the airways occurred during anesthesia. However, a high incidence of early postoperative life-threatening respiratory complications was observed (7 in 105). In a multivariate logistic regression analysis model, perioperative complications were predicted by the occurrence of cardiorespiratory signs and symptoms at the initial presentation (odds ratio [OR], 6.2) and the presence of combined obstructive and restrictive patterns (mixed pulmonary syndrome) on pulmonary function tests (OR, 3.9). Intraoperative complications were associated with pericardial effusion on computed tomography scan (OR, 19.8). Postoperative respiratory complications were related to tracheal compression of more than 50% on preoperative computed tomography scan evaluation (OR, 7.4) and mixed pulmonary syndrome on pulmonary function tests (OR, 15.1). CONCLUSION: Obstruction of the airway in an adult with a mediastinal mass is a rare event in the intraoperative period. Nevertheless, caution should be observed for the occurrence of early postoperative life-threatening respiratory complications. Patient at high risk of perioperative complications can be identified by the occurrence of cardiopulmonary signs and symptoms at presentation, combined obstructive and restrictive pattern on pulmonary function tests, and computed tomography scan findings (tracheal compression > 50%, pericardial effusion, or both).     

Postoperative pulmonary complications and their prevention

Postoperative pulmonary complications are common. Despite advances in perioperative care for patients undergoing major surgery, they are associated with increased morbidity, mortality and healthcare costs. Strategies to reduce postoperative pulmonary complications include identification of patients at risk for respiratory complications, followed by risk stratification and perioperative optimization. This article evaluates current literature on the definition of postoperative pulmonary complications, their underlying biological mechanisms, contributing risk factors and preventative measures. Of note, the wide variability in the definition of postoperative pulmonary complications highlights the importance of identifying outcome measures and standardized end points as they affect the validity of clinical trials. Validated risk prediction models are useful tools for clinicians to stratify patients at risk, however there is still a lack of consensus over which model is the best one to use. Evidence for preventative measures including smoking cessation, correction of anaemia, perioperative respiratory physiotherapy and intraoperative management including lung-protective ventilation and goal-directed haemodynamic therapy are discussed. Most importantly, perioperative care bundles demonstrate the importance of multidisciplinary involvement during different time points when a patient undergoes surgery, and a combination of interventions are found to be more beneficial than individual interventions alone.