“Postoperative pulmonary complications contribute importantly to the risk for surgery and anesthesia. The most important and morbid postoperative pulmonary complications are atelectasis, pneumonia, respiratory failure, and exacerbation of underlying chronic lung disease. Clinicians who care for patients in the perioperative period may be surprised to learn that postoperative pulmonary complications are equally prevalent and contribute similarly to morbidity, mortality, and length of stay.”

“Postoperative pulmonary complications are common and are an important cause of perioperative morbidity. We present data from a systematic review of the literature on
preoperative risk stratification for postoperative pulmonary complications after noncardiothoracic surgery. Among patient-related risk factors, good evidence supports
advanced age, ASA class II or greater, functional dependence, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and conges-tive heart failure. Fair evidence, based on fewer studies or a lower odds ratio, supports impaired sensorium, abnormal findings on chest examination, cigarette use, alcohol use, and weight loss.”

Smetana, Gerald W et al. “Preoperative pulmonary risk stratification for noncardiothoracic surgery: systematic review for the American College of Physicians.” Annals of internal medicine vol. 144,8 (2006): 581-95. Full Text for Emory Users