value of pulmonary function tests before and after different thoracic and abdominal operations

This study included seventy-one patients classified according to the type of surgery into two groups. Thoracic group including thirty-nine patients subjected to thoracic surgery, their age ranged from 9 to 60 years with the mean of 37.31 +/- 15.29. Abdominal group including thirty-two patients subjected to upper abdominal operation, their age ranged from 17 to 70 years with the mean age of 49.4 +/- 17.95. Full clinical and radiological assessment and also changes in pulmonary function tests [PFTs] and arterial blood gases were done for all the patients pre and postoperatively. The results revealed an acute restrictive pattern, following thoracic and upper abdominal surgery persisting for two weeks and was being more in the first days with gradual improvement in the following days. This reduction in PFTs was marked among patients with preexisting pulmonary disease [COPD], heavy smokers and who underwent resectional thoracic surgery. A significant hypoxemia was observed in the first two days following thoracic and abdominal operation. The incidence of postoperative complications increased in patients with previous lung disease and increased also with abnormal preoperative pulmonary function < 60% for VC, FVC, FEV1, PEFR, MVV and < 75% for FEV1/FVC%. Resectional thoracic operations were followed by a higher incidence of postoperative pulmonary complication than non- resectional surgery