[Post-operative respiratory failure in lung cancer patients.]

To explore the reasons , prevention and treatment measures of post-operative respiratory failure in lung cancer patients.

Mechanical ventilation was given to 26 lung cancer patients with post-operative respiratory failure in our hospital fromJanuary 1990 to October 1997 , and 19 out of them received tracheotomy.

The incidence of post-operative respiratory failure was 4. 7 %(26/558) . Twenty cases were cured and 6 died (23. 1 %) .

Respiratory tract infection , operative wound , incision pain , abnormal pre-operative cardio-pulmonary function , etc , are the major reasons which caused post-operative respiratory failure. Correct diagnosis , tracheotomy as early as possible and mechanical ventilation are the most efficient ways to save lifes. Strengthening management on respiratory tract in peri-operative period and avoiding post-operative complications are the keys of preventing post-operative respiratory failure.