Experience of prevention and treatment of pulmonary complications following thoracotomy in 80 cases

Objective To evaluate the effects of machnical ventilation using for prevention and treatment of pulmonary complications following thoracotomy.Methods From January 2005 to December 2009,80 cases of thoracotomy were performed in our hospital.The clinical characteristics,diagnosis and outcome of those patients were analyzed retrospectively.Results 50 cases out of 80 used respiratory support after operation and there was no case complicated with respiratory failure,empyema,pulmonary infection,atelectasis and pleural effusion,while in the rest 30 cases without using respiratory supporting,there were 5 cases of hydrothorax,1 case of empyema and 2 cases of pulmonary infection complicating atelectasis.Conclusion Artificial respiration machine is one of indispensable devices for cardiothoracic surgery,which can play an important role in promoting lung recruitment,preventing and treating complications.