The Journal of the Association of Physicians of India
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This study was conducted to see the extent of respiratory morbidity in the general surgical unit of a teritiary care teaching hospital and to look for probable factors that were responsible for them. ⋯ Respiratory complications increase the morbidity in post operative patients. Pre-operative respiratory illnesses, upper abdominal surgery, ICU stay and mechanical ventilation in the post-operative period predispose patients to respiratory complications. Pre-operative respiratory assessment and treatment of any underlying respiratory disorder is necessary and may decrease the morbidity in surgical patients.