Predictors of Post-operative Pulmonary Complications Following Emergency Laparotomy

Background: Post-operative respiratory complications are a major threat following emergency abdominal surgeries. It significantlyincreases post-operative morbidity and mortality. The aim of this study was to determine the incidence and factors affectingpost-operative pulmonary complications (PPCs).Materials and Methods: This is a prospective observational study conducted in 270 patients who got admitted through SOPD,casualty or transferred from other department, and undergoing emergency laparotomy over a period of 1 year (June 1, 2018–May 31, 2019). Patients were included in the study irrespective of age, sex, and occupation. Pre- and post-operative datawere collected through interview and postoperatively patients were monitored clinically and various investigations were doneto record post-operative respiratory complications. Then, their association was analyzed.Results: Two hundred seventy patients were included in the present study and 55 (20.4%) developed PPCs. Pneumonia (20)was the most common PPC followed by atelectasis (15). Elderly patients had more risk. PPCs were more in current smokers(30.98%), patients with pre-existing respiratory diseases (47.1%), duration of surgery more than 3 h. PPCs significantly increasethe duration of hospital stay and mortality.Conclusion: Pulmonary complications are significant among patients undergoing emergency laparotomy that leads to increasedmorbidity and mortality. Predictors of PPCs are smoking, pre-existing respiratory diseases, prolonged duration of surgery, andprolonged intubation.