Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 14, 2026

An Experimental Paradigm for the Prediction of Post-Operative Pain (PPOP)
14:56

An Experimental Paradigm for the Prediction of Post-Operative Pain (PPOP)

Published on: January 27, 2010

Predicting postoperative pulmonary complications in high-risk populations

Toby N Weingarten1, Daryl J Kor1, Bhargavi Gali1

  • 1Department of Anesthesiology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA.

Current Opinion in Anaesthesiology
|February 15, 2013
PubMed

Insights

Identifying patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and predicting risks for postoperative respiratory complications, including acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), is crucial for improving surgical outcomes.

Area of Science:

  • Anesthesiology
  • Pulmonology
  • Critical Care Medicine

Background:

  • Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) increases the risk of severe perioperative respiratory complications.
  • Undiagnosed OSA affects a significant portion of surgical patients, posing a substantial risk.
  • Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is a critical postoperative complication with high mortality.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To describe prediction models for surgical patients at risk of postoperative respiratory complications due to suspected obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).
  • To outline prediction models for surgical patients at risk of postoperative acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS).

Main Methods:

  • Review of current literature and practice guidelines regarding OSA and ARDS in surgical patients.
  • Analysis of strategies for identifying patients with high likelihood of OSA, postoperative desaturations, and pulmonary complications.
  • Evaluation of prediction models for identifying high-risk patients for ARDS.

Main Results:

  • Preoperative OSA diagnosis is associated with a low rate of postoperative pulmonary complications.
  • Clinical signs and symptoms can identify patients at high risk for OSA, desaturations, and complications.
  • Practice changes have significantly reduced ARDS incidence, and prediction models aid in identifying high-risk individuals.

Conclusions:

  • Early identification of modifiable risk factors is key to reducing severe postoperative pulmonary complications.
  • Implementing protective management strategies can mitigate risks associated with OSA and ARDS in surgical patients.
Abstract

Related Concept Videos

Cardiomyopathy VII: Pre and Post Operative Nursing Management01:28

Cardiomyopathy VII: Pre and Post Operative Nursing Management

Patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) and left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT) obstruction who remain symptomatic despite optimal medical therapy may undergo a septal myectomy (Morrow procedure). This procedure involves excising a portion of the hypertrophied septum below the aortic valve using a heart-lung machine to improve blood flow through the LVOT. Effective preoperative and postoperative nursing management ensures successful patient outcomes, minimizes complications, and...
Pneumonia III: Complications and Assessment01:30

Pneumonia III: Complications and Assessment

Pneumonia poses the potential for numerous complications that warrant consideration. These complications include the following:
Peripheral Artery Disease V: Postoperative Nursing Management01:23

Peripheral Artery Disease V: Postoperative Nursing Management

During the postoperative period, it is crucial to focus on maintaining circulation, identifying and managing potential complications, and planning for discharge.Nursing AssessmentVital signs monitoring: Regularly monitor vital signs, including blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate, and temperature, to detect early signs of complications such as bleeding and infection.Circulation assessment: Monitor pulses, perform Doppler assessments, and check capillary refill, color, temperature, and...
Pulmonary Embolism III: Nursing Management01:27

Pulmonary Embolism III: Nursing Management

A pulmonary embolism occurs when a thrombus, amniotic fluid, tumor tissue, fat, or air embolus blocks one or more pulmonary arteries. Effective nursing management and patient education are crucial for improving outcomes and preventing recurrence.Nursing management starts with obtaining a comprehensive patient history, particularly noting any history of deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Assess for clinical manifestations, including dyspnea, chest pain, crackles, heart murmurs, and signs of right-sided...
Pneumonia V: Nursing management and Prevention01:30

Pneumonia V: Nursing management and Prevention

Nursing management of pneumonia involves promoting airway patency, facilitating rest and conserving energy, encouraging fluid intake, maintaining nutrition, and educating patients.
The nurse must practice strict medical asepsis and adhere to infection control guidelines to minimize healthcare-associated infections.
Enhance airway patency
Position the patient correctly to facilitate drainage of the affected lung segments. Manual or mechanical percussion and vibration can also be employed.
Pulmonary Embolism II: Diagnostic Studies and Interprofessional Care01:29

Pulmonary Embolism II: Diagnostic Studies and Interprofessional Care

Diagnosing Pulmonary EmbolismDiagnosing pulmonary embolism (PE) involves clinical assessment and advanced imaging tests. The preferred diagnostic tool is the spiral (helical) CT scan or CT angiography (CTA), which uses intravenous contrast media to visualize the pulmonary vasculature and identify emboli.A ventilation-perfusion (V/Q) scan is an alternative for patients unable to receive contrast media. This scan includes both perfusion and ventilation scanning. Perfusion scanning involves...