Postoperative Respiratory Failure in Lung Cancer Patients

Objective To explore the reasons, prevention and treatment measures for postoperative respiratory failure in lung cancer patients.MethodsMechanical ventilation was given to 20 1ung cancer patients with postoperative respiratory failure in our hospital from January 2002 to October 2006, and 17 of them received tracheotomy. ResultsThe incidence of postoperative respiratory failure was 4.9% (20/412). Out of the 20 ones with respiratory failure, four died (20.0%). ConclusionThe major reasons for postoperative respiratory failure consists of respiratory tract infection, operative wound, incision pain, abnormal preoperative cardiopulmonary function, etc. Correct diagnosis, tracheotomy as early as possible, and mechanical ventilation are the most efficient ways to save their lives. Strengthening management on respiratory tract in peri-operative period and avoiding postoperative complications act as the keys to preventing postoperative respiratory failure.