161. Respiratory consequences of anesthesia and the surgical incision

Abstract

This chapter discusses how anesthesia and surgical incision can impair pulmonary function, leading to hypoxemia. The focus is on the upper airway patency and the patient’s effective respiratory effort, which should be closely monitored. Potential common postoperative pulmonary complications include upper airway obstruction, pulmonary edema, arterial hypoxemia, decreased alveolar ventilation, decreased oxygen pressure, decreased diffusion capacity, ventilation-perfusion mismatch or shunts, and increased venous admixture. Surgical incision is also an important factor in predicting the risk of postoperative respiratory complications. Except in rare cases, all patients receiving general anesthesia should receive supplemental oxygen during postoperative care.

Document Type

Book Chapter

Book Chapter/Book Details

In: Abd-Elsayed A, Abd-Elsayed A, eds. Basic Anesthesia Review. Oxford University Press; 2024.


 

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