Respiratory complications in the postanesthesia care unit: A review of pathophysiological mechanisms

Abstract

Surgical, anesthetic and patient variables have been shown to impact pulmonary function in the postanesthesia period and contribute to complications in the postanesthesia care unit (PACU), with pulmonary atelectasis a common finding in more than 80% of anesthetized individuals. This comprehensive review discusses the major mechanisms causing deterioration of gas exchange in the immediate postoperative period; differential diagnosis of arterial hypoxemia in the PACU; preventive measures and treatment strategies for atelectasis; and the role of continuous positive airway pressure in the PACU.