Post Op atelectasis Flashcards
Describe atelectasis
An abnormal condition of the lungs characterized by partial or total collapse of previously expanded alveoli
What is the result of atelectasis?
Reduced gas exchange in the collapsed lung units and reduced compliance
What are some common minor post operative pulmonary complication?
Atelectasis
Bronchospasm
Pneumonia
Acute upper airway obstruction
Exacerbation OSA
What are common (but more severe) post operative pulmonary complications?
Pleural effusion
Chemical pneumonitis
Pulmonary embolism
Abdominal compartment syndrome
Tracheal laceration or rupture
What factors increase a patients chance for developing post operative atelectasis?
Obesity
Operative and post operative supine positioning
Advanced age
Use of inadequate tidal volumes during mechanical ventilation
What are the “levels” atelectasis and how common are they?
Micro atelectasis/subsegmental atelectasis = very common
Segmental atelectasis = fairly common
Lobar atelectasis = uncommon
Entire lung collapse = very rare
What portions of the lung most commonly experience post operative atelectasis?
20-25% of lung tissue in the basal lung area collapses after induction with general anesthesia
What are the two types of atelectasis
Obstructive
Non-obstructive
Describe compression atelectasis
A “space occupying lesion” develops in the pleural space and puts pressure on lung units resulting in collapse
Describe obstruction atelectasis
Airway is obstructed, if collateral flow doesnt exist or is inadequate, the obstructed unit will collapse
Give some examples of compression atelectasis
Pneumothorax
Hemothorax
Pleural effusion
Describe relation atelectasis
Contact between the parietal and visceral pleura is lost and the elastic recoil of the lung pulls it inward collapsing the lung units
When could a patient experience relaxation atelectasis?
Pleural effusion
Pneumothorax
Loss of surfactant
Describe cicatricial atelectasis
Cicatrix = scar
Parenchyma becomes scarred and collapse as a result
What processes could cause cicatricial atelectasis?
Diseases that form granulomas (sarcoid)
Necrotizing pneumonia
Radiation pneumonitis