Anesthesia & Clinical Research
Open Access

Abstract

Postoperative Pulmonary Complications and Associated Factors among Surgical Patients

Zewditu Abdissa Denu, Mensur Osman Yasin, Tadesse Belayneh Melekie and Alhazar Berhe

Introduction: Postoperative complications, although other complications may occur, involving the respiratory tract is the most frequent one that contribute to the greatest peri operative morbidity and mortality. The occurrence of postoperative pulmonary complications varies depending on the clinical treatment setting, the kind of surgery and the definition used.

Objective: The aim of this study was to determine morbidity and mortality rate from postoperative pulmonary complications and factors associated among surgical patients that were operated in Gondar University Hospital from January to April 30, 2013.

Methods: Observational prospective study was conducted to assess postoperative pulmonary complications (PPC) among surgical patients in Gondar University Hospital. 405 patients were included in this study using systematic sampling technique. Pre, intra-operative and post-operative data were collected using checklist prepared based on variables of interest. A step wise logistic regression was used to identify independent predictors of PPC. P values and 95% CI were used to see for significance of associations.

Results: 405 patients were participated in this study with response rate of 100%. The incidence of PPC in this study was 21.7%. Use of General anesthesia (AOR=8.72 (2.01; 37.73), intra operative blood loss (AOR=2.02 (1.18; 3.46), poor post-operative pain control (AOR=2.00 (1.17; 3.43) and prolonged surgery (AOR=2.12; (1.18; 3.84) were independently associated with PPC.

Conclusion and recommendation: The burden of postoperative pulmonary complication in university of Gondar hospital was high and the commonest complication was postoperative pneumonia. Postoperative analgesia should be considered as part of anesthetic management for all surgical patients.