Intraoperative Ventilation in the High-Risk Surgical Patient

Abstract

Postoperative pulmonary complications contribute to perioperative morbidity and mortality in addition to being associated with increased health care costs. In this review article, we outline risk factors for the development postoperative pulmonary complications, describe their impact on perioperative outcomes, and focus on the role of intraoperative ventilation strategies in decreasing postoperative pulmonary complications.

Keywords: atelectrauma; barotrauma; postoperative pulmonary complications; ventilator-induced lung injury.