Key result
Postoperative respiratory depression and pulmonary complications linked to increased mortality up to 90 days post-discharge.
Why the study?
Postoperative pulmonary complications have traditionally been considered transitory, but emerging evidence suggests their morbidity and mortality extend up to 90 days post-discharge.
Does experiencing postoperative respiratory depression and pulmonary complications increase mortality 30, 60, and 90 days after discharge in surgical patients?
Does experiencing postoperative respiratory depression and pulmonary complications increase mortality 30, 60, and 90 days after discharge in surgical patients?
Postoperative respiratory depression and pulmonary complications are associated with increased mortality extending up to 90 days post-discharge, emphasizing the need for improved monitoring and extended postoperative care.
Associated mortality persists to 90 days; leaves open whether extended monitoring improves survival in prospective studies.
Upon the induction of general anesthesia, a predictable sequence of physiological changes occurs within the respiratory and neuromuscular systems. The sequelae of these changes include an assortment of postoperative pulmonary complications (PPCs), including postoperative respiratory depression (PORD), that are observed during the immediate postoperative period and in the post-anesthesia care unit (PACU). These adverse events are anticipated, because several of the drugs that are used during surgery (e.g., opioids, which are traditionally used to manage pain during and after surgery), albeit therapeutically beneficial, have these adverse effects as part of their pharmacology. Nevertheless, the effects are traditionally considered transitory. However, several studies provide evidence suggesting that PPC-related morbidity and mortality extend 30, 60, and even 90 days after discharge from the hospital. These studies are summarized and assessed in this narrative review. Although exact estimates vary depending on the definitions used, the type of surgery, patient population, and risk factors (such as age), it is clear that PORD and other PPCs can be severe postoperative complications with significant associated mortality risks that extend weeks to months after discharge from the hospital.
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Raffa et al. (2025) conducted a review in Postoperative respiratory depression and pulmonary complications. Postoperative respiratory depression and pulmonary complications vs. No postoperative respiratory depression or pulmonary complications was evaluated on 30-, 60-, and 90-day post-discharge mortality. Postoperative respiratory depression and pulmonary complications are associated with significantly increased mortality risks extending 30, 60, and 90 days after hospital discharge.
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