Magnitude of Postoperative pulmonary Complications and Associated Factors in Patients who Underwent Major Surgery at SPHMMC in year 2009 E.C

Abstract

Abstract Introduction: Postoperative complications, although other complications may occur, involving the respiratory tract is the most frequent one that contribute to the greatest peri operative morbidity and mortality. The occurrence of postoperative pulmonary complications varies depending on the clinical treatment setting, the kind of surgery and the definition used. Objective: The aim of this study was to determine magnitude as well as outcome of postoperative pulmonary complications and factors associated among surgical patients that were operated in SPHMMC in the year 2009. Methods: Retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted to assess postoperative pulmonary complications (PPC) among surgical patients in SPHMMC. 333 patients were included in this study using random sampling technique. Pre, intra-operative and post-operative data were collected using checklist prepared based on variables of interest. Chi square analysis was used to identify significant factors and then a step wise logistic regression was used to identify independent predictors of PPC. P values and 95% CI were used to see for significance of associations. Results: 333 patients participated in this study. The incidence of PPC was 7.2%. Smoking (AOR=30 (5.3, 177)), intra operative blood loss (AOR=13.9(2.17, 103), Upper abdominal surgeries (AOR=5.6(1.2, 26.5) and prolonged surgery (AOR=15(3.17, 71.9) were independently associated with PPC. Conclusion and Recommendation: Magnitude of Postoperative Pulmonary complication in SPHMMC is comparable with most research findings that are done outside the country. However, it is found to be significantly lower than the finding of a research done at Gonder University which is the only research done on this topic in the entire country. Anticipation of those risk factors which are strongly associated with PPC helps to be ready and take all necessary measures including furthers investigations that should be taken to avoid postoperative pulmonary complications since the adverse outcome of PPC is found to be grave