Postoperative mucus clearance

Abstract

Following upper-abdominal and cardiothoracic surgery, patients are at risk of developing postoperative pulmonary complications, such as atelectasis and pneumonia. Several studies have been performed to determine which category of patient is highrisk. Results from the literature suggest that multiple factors may be involved in the development of complications. These may include reduced lung volumes and changes in the properties of mucus and mucus transport, all of which may lead to mucus plugging and hypoventilation (1-4).