Abstract:
Introduction: Postoperative complications, although other complications may occur, involving the respiratory
tract is the most frequent one that contribute to the greatest peri operative morbidity and mortality. The occurrence of
postoperative pulmonary complications varies depending on the clinical treatment setting, the kind of surgery and
the definition used.
Objective: The aim of this study was to determine morbidity and mortality rate from postoperative pulmonary
complications and factors associated among surgical patients that were operated in Gondar University Hospital from
January to April 30, 2013.
Methods: Observational prospective study was conducted to assess postoperative pulmonary complications
(PPC) among surgical patients in Gondar University Hospital. 405 patients were included in this study using
systematic sampling technique. Pre, intra-operative and post-operative data were collected using checklist prepared
based on variables of interest. A step wise logistic regression was used to identify independent predictors of PPC. P
values and 95% CI were used to see for significance of associations.
Results: 405 patients were participated in this study with response rate of 100%. The incidence of PPC in this
study was 21.7%. Use of General anesthesia (AOR=8.72 (2.01; 37.73), intra operative blood loss (AOR=2.02 (1.18;
3.46), poor post-operative pain control (AOR=2.00 (1.17; 3.43) and prolonged surgery (AOR=2.12; (1.18; 3.84) were
independently associated with PPC.
Conclusion and recommendation: The burden of postoperative pulmonary complication in university of Gondar
hospital was high and the commonest complication was postoperative pneumonia. Postoperative analgesia should
be considered as part of anesthetic management for all surgical patients.
