What are the postoperative pulmonary complications?

Postoperative pulmonary complications include pain, breathing difficulties, edema, pneumothorax, and atelectasis. A detailed analysis is as follows:

1. Pain

Lung surgery typically involves removing diseased tissue from the lungs. After surgery, patients may experience pain due to incisions in the local skin area. This can be alleviated with medications such as acetaminophen tablets or ibuprofen sustained-release capsules, taken as directed by a physician.

2. Breathing Difficulties

After surgery, lung function may not immediately return to normal, leading to temporary breathing difficulties. These symptoms can be improved by avoiding physical exertion and ensuring adequate rest.

3. Edema

If fluid from pulmonary capillaries leaks into alveoli and interstitial lung tissues due to surgical stimulation, pulmonary edema may occur. In such cases, patients should promptly take prescribed medications such as furosemide tablets or prednisone tablets under medical guidance.

4. Pneumothorax

Inadequate postoperative care may allow air to enter the pleural cavity, resulting in pneumothorax. As internal pressure increases, this condition usually affects the patient's quality of life. Treatment involves visiting a qualified medical facility for procedures such as thoracentesis to remove the trapped air.

5. Atelectasis

If part of the lung tissue is removed during surgery, it may lead to lung collapse and subsequent atelectasis. Patients should seek prompt treatment at a reputable medical institution, where interventions such as endobronchial stent placement may be performed.

In addition, other complications include hemothorax, bronchopleural fistula, etc. It is recommended that patients remain hospitalized for observation as directed by their physician after surgery and seek immediate medical attention if any discomfort occurs.