Mechanical ventilation of the anesthetized patient.

Patients who require general anesthesia to undergo a surgical procedure often require mechanical ventilation during the perioperative period. Ventilators incorporated into modern anesthesia machines offer various options for patient management. The unique effects of general anesthesia and surgery on pulmonary physiology must be considered when selecting an individualized plan for mechanical ventilation during the perioperative period. In this article, the pulmonary effects of general anesthesia are reviewed and available options for mechanical ventilation of the anesthetized patient during the perioperative period are presented.