Common post-surgical respiratory complications include?

Post-surgical respiratory complications are significant concerns that can arise after various surgical procedures, particularly those involving the chest or abdomen. Pneumonia is commonly noted as one of these complications due to several factors. After surgery, patients may experience impaired respiratory function, reduced lung volumes, and diminished ability to clear secretions, making the lungs more susceptible to infection. Factors such as pain, sedation, and immobility can contribute to shallow breathing and decreased cough effectiveness, increasing the risk of developing pneumonia.

In contrast, conditions like emphysema, bronchiectasis, and cystic fibrosis are chronic respiratory diseases rather than immediate post-surgical complications. Emphysema is characterized by the destruction of lung tissue usually related to long-term exposure to irritants, while bronchiectasis involves permanent expansion of the bronchi due to repeated infections or obstruction. Cystic fibrosis, a genetic disorder, leads to thick mucus production and frequent lung infections but does not typically arise as a post-surgical complication. Therefore, pneumonia stands out as a direct and common concern in the post-operative setting, underscoring the importance of monitoring respiratory function after surgery.