Effect of high body mass index on postoperative pulmonary complications: a retrospective study

Background Postoperative pulmonary complications (PPCs) are associated with perioperative mortality and morbidity. Obesity physiologically affects respiratory function and thus could be a risk factor for PPCs. The aim of this study was to clarify the effect of high body mass index (BMI) and other factors on the development of PPCs and the perioperative course. Methods This study retrospectively analyzed patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) after undergoing elective upper abdominal surgery at our hospital between December 2015 and December 2018. The primary endpoint was the effect of BMI on the development of PPCs, and the secondary endpoints were the effect of BMI on length of ICU stay, ICU readmission, length of hospital stay, and death within 30 days of surgery. Results A total of 231 patients were included in this study, 27 of whom had PPCs. BMI was not significantly associated with the development of PPCs. BMI was not significantly associated with length of ICU stay or ICU readmission, whereas higher BMI was significantly associated with shorter hospital stays. The only death within 30 days of surgery occurred in a patient who developed PPCs and died while in the ICU. Conclusions We retrospectively investigated the effect of BMI on the development of PPCs, length of ICU stay, and ICU readmission in patients who underwent upper abdominal surgery. BMI was not significantly associated with the development of PPCs, length of ICU stay, or ICU readmission.