Are mild postoperative pulmonary complications associated with increased early mortality and hospital stay in ASA physical status 3 patients following noncardiothoracic surgery?
Mild postoperative pulmonary complications in ASA 3 patients undergoing noncardiothoracic surgery are associated with worse perioperative outcomes, highlighting the need for increased attention and intervention.
Postoperative pulmonary complications are common in patients with American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status 3, despite current protective ventilation practices. Even mild PPCs are associated with increased early postoperative mortality, ICU admission, and length of stay (ICU and hospital). Mild frequent PPCs (eg, atelectasis and prolonged oxygen therapy need) deserve increased attention and intervention for improving perioperative outcomes.
Fernandez-Bustamante et al. (Wed,) studied this question.