The Medical clinics of North America
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Chronic pulmonary disease is common among the surgical population and the importance of a thorough and detailed preoperative assessment is monumental for minimizing morbidity and mortality and reducing the risk of perioperative pulmonary complications. These comorbidities contribute to pulmonary postoperative complications, including atelectasis, pneumonia, and respiratory failure, and can predict long-term mortality. The important aspects of the preoperative assessment for patients with chronic pulmonary disease, and the value of preoperative testing and smoking cessation, are discussed. Specifically discussed are preoperative pulmonary assessment and management of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, asthma, restrictive lung disease, obstructive sleep apnea, and obesity.
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Med. Clin. North Am. · Nov 2013
ReviewPatients with disease of brain, cerebral vasculature, and spine.
Several structural abnormalities involving the brain and surrounding structures have perioperative implications. This article reviews the preoperative assessment and preparation of patients with intracranial masses, vascular lesions, cerebrospinal fluid abnormalities, traumatic injuries, and dementia. Until definitive treatment of the underlying condition occurs, prevention of secondary injury to the patient's brain is the goal of medical management and final functional outcome.