[Anesthesia in concomitant bronchopulmonary diseases]

The goal of any anaesthesiologist delivering anaesthesia to patients with pre-existing lung disease has to be the prevention of intra- and postoperative complications. Changes in gas exchange imposed by anaesthesia and surgery can cause dangerous disturbances in oxygen transport and in acid-base balance. Uptake and elimination of volatile and gaseous anaesthetics depend upon normal respiratory function. Any marked impairment can considerably modify the kinetics of these processes.