Effect of Partial Gastrectomy on Pulmonary Physiology

An upper abdominal operation has a profound effect on pulmonary mechanical function. This effect occurs in those who do not develop atelectasis, but patients with atelectasis show a greater and more persistent impairment of ventilatory function and, unlike normals, often develop reversible airways obstruction during the first three post-operative days as shown by increases in the peak expiratory flow rate after the inhalation of a bronchodilator drug (Palmer, 1961). We have investigated the effect of a major upper abdominal operation ?partial gastrectomy?on ventilatory function, arterial blood gas levels, and the acid-base balance.