[The risk of anesthesia in bronchopulmonary diseases]

Surgery and anaesthesia, including positioning and mechanical ventilation, encompass alterations in respiratory mechanics and gas exchange persisting through the postoperative period and may cause respiratory complications. The closer the anatomical ties between the surgical site and the respiratory system, the higher the pulmonary risks. Pre-existing respiratory and pulmonary diseases further increase the patient's risk. In addition to the numerous patients suffering from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, patients with restrictive disorders, e.g. obesity, are concerned as well. Arterial oxygen saturation tracked by pulse oximetry is recommended for screening the respiratory system. Patients at an increased risk of respiratory complications should be scheduled individually for preoperative preparation, anaesthesia requirements, and postoperative management. When anaesthetizing patients with coexisting pulmonary disease, regional anaesthesia is preferred unless limited by the surgical procedure or for obvious technical reasons. Pasch provides recommendations for the management of anesthesia: Acute respiratory obstruction should be prevented by personal attention and pharmacological protection. Anaesthetics and relaxants with parasympathomimetic and histamine liberating effects should be avoided. Attention should be paid to hazardous pharmacological interactions with existing respiratory therapy. Bronchospasm should be avoided by deep anaesthesia and by smooth intubation and extubation. Pain therapy is an essential requirement for respiratory therapy in the postoperative period to maintain or to restore pulmonary function with improved performance.