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| Main Authors: | , , , , |
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| Format: | Recurso digital |
| Language: | |
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Zenodo
2026
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| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.19810517 |
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Table of Contents:
- <p class="MsoNormal"><span>Postoperative dyspnea is a frequent and clinically significant complication that arises from a complex interaction of perioperative pathophysiological mechanisms, underlying comorbidities, and surgical factors. General anesthesia plays a central role by reducing functional residual capacity, promoting small airway closure, and generating ventilation–perfusion mismatch. These alterations favor the development of dependent atelectasis, which represents the most common cause of early postoperative dyspnea. Additional contributors include postoperative pain-induced hypoventilation, diaphragmatic dysfunction, residual neuromuscular blockade, fluid overload, ventricular dysfunction, and systemic inflammatory responses that impair pulmonary gas exchange. Pulmonary etiologies predominate in the differential diagnosis, particularly atelectasis, pulmonary edema, pneumonia, and pulmonary embolism, although cardiovascular, upper airway, metabolic, and systemic causes must also be considered. Risk stratification is essential, as advanced age, preexisting pulmonary or cardiovascular disease, obesity, obstructive sleep apnea, smoking history, prolonged surgical duration, emergency surgery, and high-risk procedures significantly increase the likelihood of postoperative respiratory complications. A structured diagnostic approach integrates arterial blood gas analysis, chest radiography, electrocardiography, cardiac biomarkers, computed tomography pulmonary angiography when indicated, and bedside lung and cardiac ultrasound. Early management prioritizes supportive measures such as supplemental oxygen, non-invasive respiratory support, semi-upright positioning, and continuous monitoring, followed by etiology-directed treatment including respiratory physiotherapy, diuretics, anticoagulation, antibiotics, bronchodilators, or reversal of neuromuscular blockade when appropriate. Preventive strategies, including preoperative optimization, lung-protective ventilation, restrictive fluid management, early mobilization, and thromboprophylaxis, are fundamental to reducing postoperative pulmonary complications, morbidity, and mortality, ultimately improving overall surgical outcomes.</span></p>