Chronic pulmonary disease is common among the surgical population and the importance of a thorough and detailed preoperative assessment is monumental for minimizing morbidity and mortality and reducing the risk of perioperative pulmonary complications. These comorbidities contribute to pulmonary postoperative complications, including atelectasis, pneumonia, and respiratory failure, and can predict long-term mortality. The important aspects of the preoperative assessment for patients with chronic pulmonary disease, and the value of preoperative testing and smoking cessation, are discussed. Specifically discussed are preoperative pulmonary assessment and management of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, asthma, restrictive lung disease, obstructive sleep apnea, and obesity.
Keywords: Anesthesia; Anesthesia and coexisting pulmonary disease; Asthma; Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease; Postoperative pulmonary complications; Preoperative assessment; Preoperative preparation; Restrictive lung disease.
Published by Elsevier Inc.