Noninvasive Mechanical Ventilation in Postoperative Respiratory Failure

Postoperative respiratory failure is the most severe perioperative complication and leads to gas exchange abnormalities. It is also most important cause of postoperative morbidity and mortality. Age and weight are two important factor which increasing the risk of pulmonary dysfunction in populations undergoing surgery. Atelectasis is the most important cause in development of postoperative respiratory failure. Anesthesia that is given during intraoperative period and its residual effect in postoperative period, drugs that cause respiratory depression, high FiO2, postoperative pain and decrease in functional residual capacity due to damage of muscles related to surgical incision play important role in development of atelectasis. The aim of the studies that were performed up until now were to prevent postoperative risks and make up scales to estimate these risks. Besides risk estimation, the use and success of noninvasive mechanical ventilation in postoperative respiratory failure for its prophylaxis and treatment were investigated in recent studies. The aim of this review was to evaluate risk factors and pathogenesis of postoperative respiratory failure in addition to the results of the related studies to achieve more efficient use of NIMV in these patients.