Pulmonary Evaluation

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Pulmonary Pitfalls - Preop Goals & Risks

  • Primary Goals of Preoperative Pulmonary Evaluation:
    • Identify patients at increased risk for Postoperative Pulmonary Complications (PPCs).
    • Optimize baseline pulmonary function to minimize PPC occurrence and severity.
  • Key Postoperative Pulmonary Complications (PPCs) include:
    • Atelectasis
    • Pneumonia (e.g., hospital-acquired)
    • Respiratory failure (hypoxemic or hypercapnic)
    • Bronchospasm
    • Exacerbation of underlying chronic lung conditions (e.g., COPD, asthma).

⭐ Atelectasis is the most common PPC, typically developing within the first 24-48 hours postoperatively.

Patient Profiling - Spotting Lung Risks

Key factors increase Postoperative Pulmonary Complication (PPC) risk. Identify using patient and procedure characteristics.

Patient-Related RisksProcedure-Related Risks
* Age >50 yrs* Thoracic/Upper abdominal surgery
* COPD, Asthma* Aortic surgery
* Smoking (current)* Neurosurgery
* Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)* Surgery duration >3h
* ASA class ≥II* Emergency surgery
* Congestive Heart Failure (CHF)* General anesthesia
* ↓ Functional status / Poor general health
* Low albumin (<3.5 g/dL)
  • 📌 Key Factors: Age, preoperative SpO₂, recent respiratory infection, preoperative anemia (Hb <10 g/dL), surgical incision site (e.g., upper abdominal/thoracic), surgery duration >2h, emergency procedure.
  • Risk Categories: Low (<26 points), Intermediate (26-44 points), High (≥45 points).

⭐ Surgical site is a major determinant of PPC risk, with thoracic and upper abdominal surgeries carrying the highest risk.

Lung Numbers - PFTs & Imaging

⭐ Routine PFTs are NOT recommended before non-cardiothoracic surgery.

  • Pulmonary Function Tests (PFTs):
    • Not routine.
    • Indications:
      • Planned lung resection (e.g., lobectomy, pneumonectomy).
      • Unexplained dyspnea/exercise intolerance.
      • Severe known pulmonary disease if results alter management.
    • Key Parameters & Critical Values:
      • FEV1 (Forced Expiratory Volume in 1s): Critical: < 1.5L or < 50% predicted. High risk if FEV1 < 30% predicted.
      • FVC (Forced Vital Capacity).
      • FEV1/FVC ratio: < 0.7 (or < 70%) suggests obstructive pattern.
      • DLCO (Diffusing capacity for CO): Critical: < 40% predicted.
  • Chest X-Ray (CXR):
    • Indicated for new/worsening pulmonary symptoms. Not for routine screening.

PFT graphs: Normal, Obstructive, and Restrictive

Condition Care - Managing Lung Woes

  • Asthma: Asthma Inhaler Icon Focus on control.
  • COPD: COPD Lungs Diagram Optimize before surgery.
  • OSA: Patient using CPAP machine Screen: STOP-BANG (📌 Score ≥ 3 high risk). Continue CPAP.
  • Acute Respiratory Infections (ARIs): Postpone elective surgery 4-6 weeks.
ConditionPreoperative Management
AsthmaEnsure well-controlled: Peak flow >80% personal best. Preop SABA. Systemic steroids if poorly controlled.
COPDOptimize: Bronchodilators. Antibiotics for purulent sputum. Systemic steroids for current/recent exacerbation.

Prehab Power - Boosting Lung Defenses

  • Smoking cessation: Ideally >4-8 weeks preop; any duration helps ↓ Postoperative Pulmonary Complications (PPCs).
  • Optimize COPD/Asthma: Ensure use of bronchodilators, consider steroids if indicated.
  • Treat active respiratory infections before surgery.
  • Patient Education:
    • Deep breathing exercises.
    • Effective coughing techniques.
    • Incentive spirometry. How to use an incentive spirometer
  • Lung Expansion Maneuvers: e.g., CPAP, IPPB if high risk.
  • Consider epidural analgesia for thoracic/upper abdominal surgery to improve pain control and facilitate breathing.

⭐ Smoking cessation for at least 4 weeks before surgery significantly reduces PPCs (Postoperative Pulmonary Complications).

High-Yield Points - ⚡ Biggest Takeaways

  • Preoperative spirometry for unexplained dyspnea or poorly controlled lung disease before major surgery.
  • FEV1 < 1L or <30% predicted signals high risk for Postoperative Pulmonary Complications (PPCs).
  • Smoking cessation for ≥4-8 weeks preoperatively significantly ↓ PPCs.
  • ASA status (III-V) and surgical site (thoracic, upper abdominal) are key PPC predictors.
  • STOP-BANG score ≥3 indicates high risk for Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA).
  • Optimize Pulmonary Artery Hypertension (PAH) patients preoperatively due to high risk_._

Practice Questions: Pulmonary Evaluation

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Type 3 respiratory failure occurs due to ?

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Flashcards: Pulmonary Evaluation

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A patient with poorly controlled DM/HTN would be classified under ASA _____

TAP TO REVEAL ANSWER

A patient with poorly controlled DM/HTN would be classified under ASA _____

III

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