PREDICTION OF POST-OPERATIVE RESPIRATORY COMPLICATIONS BY SIMPLE SPIROMETRY

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  • 1 January 1979
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 61  (1) , 59-62
Abstract
Spirometry was carried out before and after operation in groups of patients undergoing 3 preselected surgical procedures. The patterns of impairment of pulmonary function in each group were discussed. Only in patients undergoing inguinal herniorrhaphy was spirometry of value in determining an at-risk group for the development of respiratory complications. Discrimination was optimal on the 1st postoperative day, making it possible for 70% of patients to be discharged from hospital 48 h after this operation with little risk of subsequent respiratory complications.