Respiratory evaluation of the risk for postoperative pulmonary complications in patients who preoperatively consulted pulmonologists: Studying both patients who underwent and who precluded planned surgery

Pulmonary Function Tests for the Prediction of Postoperative Pulmonary Complications

BACKGROUND

Pulmonary function tests (PFTs) such as spirometry and blood gas analysis have been claimed to improve preoperative risk assessment. This systematic review summarizes the available scientific literature regarding the ability of PFTs to predict postoperative pulmonary complications (PPC) in non-thoracic surgery.

METHODS

We systematically searched MEDLINE, CINAHL, and the Cochrane Library for pertinent original research articles (PROSPERO CRD42020215502), framed by the PIT-criteria (PIT, participants, index test, target conditions), respecting the PRISMA-DTA recommendations (DTA, diagnostic test accuracy).

RESULTS

46 original research studies were identified that used PFT-findings as index tests and PPC as target condition. QUADAS-2 quality assessment revealed a high risk of bias regarding patient selection, blinding, and outcome definitions. Qualitative synthesis of prospective studies revealed inconclusive study findings: 65% argue for and 35% against preoperative spirometry, and 43% argue for blood gas analysis. A (post-hoc) subgroup analysis in prospective studies with low-risk of selection bias identified a possible benefit in upper abdominal surgery (three studies with 959 participants argued for and one study with 60 participants against spirometry).

CONCLUSION

As the existing literature is inconclusive it is currently unknown if PFTs improve risk assessment before non-thoracic surgery. Spirometry should be considered in individuals with key indicators for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) scheduling for upper abdominal surgery.

Predictors of delayed extubation following lung resection: Focusing on preoperative pulmonary function and incentive spirometry

BACKGROUND

Delayed extubation is one of postoperative pulmonary complications (PPCs). Preoperative pulmonary function test (PFT) is an important assessment for patients undergoing lung resection. Volume-oriented incentive spirometry (IS) is one of physiotherapies to prevent PPCs. Preoperative PFT and IS volume (IS-v) can reflect the physiologic conditions of respiratory system in patients planning to undergo lung resection. However, the relationship between preoperative PFT/IS-v and delayed extubation in patients undergoing lung resection remains unclear. The study investigated the risk factors and impact of delayed extubation after lung resection. We aimed to achieve early recognition of patients being at a higher risk for developing postoperative delayed extubation after lung resection.

METHODS

This retrospective observational 4-year cohort study was conducted in a medical center, Taiwan. A total of 353 enrolled patients receiving thoracic surgery for lung resection were further categorized into the delayed extubation (n = 142, 40%) and non-delayed extubation (n = 211, 60%) groups.

RESULTS

In multivariate logistic regression analyses, age >65 years (adjusted odds ratio [AOR]: 2.60; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.52-4.45), American Society of Anesthesiologists score >2 (AOR: 1.72; 95% CI, 1.05-2.82), anesthesia time >6hrs (AOR: 1.80; 95% CI, 1.13-2.88), pneumonectomy (AOR: 5.58; 95% CI, 1.62-19.19), and IS-v/inspiratory capacity (IC) ratio (AOR: 2.07; 95% CI, 1.16-3.68) were associated with delayed extubation after lung resection (all p < 0.05). Patients with delayed extubation were significantly associated with a higher proportion of other pulmonary complications, reintubation, mortality, and prolonged intensive care unit and hospital stays.

CONCLUSION

Older age, poor general health status, longer anesthesia time, pneumonectomy, and IS-v/IC ratio could be the independent factors predictive for delayed extubation after lung resection, which was in turn associated with worse outcomes. Preoperative PFT and IS-v were valuable for early recognition of patients being at a higher risk for developing postoperative delayed extubation after lung resection.

Closure of long-standing oroantral fistula: Surgical challenge in medically compromised patient-A case report

A systematic treatment plan of controlling chronic sinusitis, optimizing systemic health, and appropriate selection of surgical technique are essential requirements for successful closure of oroantral fistula.

Should pulmonologists be gatekeepers or supporters for preoperative patients?

Postoperative pulmonary complications (PPCs) are considered as a leading cause of poor surgical outcomes, and occur frequently even in non-cardiothoracic surgery. Several multifactorial risk indices show potential effectiveness in identification of patients at high risk of developing PPCs. In preoperative consultation from surgeons, pulmonologists often act as gatekeepers for indication of surgery. With regard to preventive strategy for PPCs, recent reports have suggested the usefulness of preoperative interventions, such as smoking cessation, inhalation therapy, medications, pulmonary rehabilitation, and sleep study followed by continuous positive airway pressure therapy. Now, pulmonologists have an important role as supporters for preoperative patient care.