[Prevention of complications after lung resection (author's transl)]

Experiences with prophylaxis of postoperative complications in 1179 lung resections (1960 to 1974) are discussed. Preoperatively exercises in breathing, inhalations with mucolytic and proteolytic drugs, in some cases therapeutic bronchosopy are used. An atraumatic thoracotomy with minimal cutting of muscles is preferred. In the postoperative course early mobilization of the patients and substitution of large amounts of fluid are used. The number of postoperative complications was reduced from 15,2% (1960 to 1966) to 2,6% (1971 to 1974). Artificial respiration or postoperative therapeutic bronchoscopy were not necessary during the last 6 years.