Perioperative management of respiratory conditions and complications

Postoperative pulmonary complications (PPC) remain a leading cause of morbidity and death following major surgery, contributing to prolonged hospital stay and healthcare cost1,2. The incidence and severity of postoperative pulmonary complications (PPC) varies between 1% and 23% depending on patient co-morbidity, surgical site, and anaesthetic technique3. PPC consistently increase postoperative length of stay, intensive care utilization, and readmission rates. Many complications arise from modifiable risk factors and early recognition of patients at risk allows preoperative optimization, which improves outcomes4. A structured preoperative assessment is central to risk reduction, including functional status, chronic cough, sputum production, wheeze, recent respiratory infections, and smoking status. Patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or asthma require confirmation of disease control, recent exacerbation history, and performance status. Enhanced recovery pathways, including intraoperative lung-protective ventilation and robust analgesia strategies, have been shown to reduce pulmonary morbidity rates2,5. Following surgery, early chest physiotherapy, effective analgesia, and prompt mobilization form the cornerstones of PPC prevention2.