[Diagnosis and monitoring of postoperative pulmonary complications]

There is no distinct difference between regular postoperative pulmonary changes and postoperative pulmonary complications (PPC). Beside the "classic" PPC, atelectases and bronchopneumonia, adult respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and barotraumas are becoming of increasing importance. A single examination allows the diagnosis of up to 60% of PPC. Only in 63% of cases of bronchopneumonia does the X-ray diagnosis agree with the necropsy results. The varieties of germs found in bronchial secretions and lung parenchyma, however, are not considerably different. CAT scan seems to be the best diagnostic imaging tool for the follow-up of ARDS and barotrauma.