[Preoperative Optimization of Pulmonary Diseases - an Approach]

Preoperative identification of patients with an increased risk for perioperative pulmonary complications is crucial for the anesthesiological management. These complications were underestimated in the past, but are associated with an increased morbidity and mortality when occuring. Patients with preexisting pulmonary diseases are at increased risk for perioperative pulmonary complications. In the recent past more emphasis was placed on preoperative optimization of the underlying pulmonary diseases like COPD or Asthma bronchiale. The knowledge of pathophysiology and pharmacological treatment options in this special subset of patients is essential. It has been shown that preventive programs in the preoperative setting were able to reduce pulmonary complications.