Postoperative Pulmonary Atelectasis

¹ University of Oregon Medical School.

Atelectasis is still an important postoperative pulmonary complication which threatens the patient who has undergone major surgery. It is generally agreed that the predominant causal factor is a complete bronchial occlusion by secretions, although reflex nervous stimuli have also been implicated to contribute greatly to the occlusion. The role of postoperative hypoventilation in the etiology of atelectasis remains a controversial one.

The diagnosis of atelectasis depends chiefly upon a study of the signs and symptoms, but is aided by the findings of physical examination, x-ray films, and occasionally, bronchoscopy. Treatment and prevention of atelectasis are simple and effective, consisting chiefly of measures to remove the obstruction, such as, coughing, postural drainage, or bronchial catheterization.