Risk Factors of Brooks-Brunn for Postoperative Pulmonary Complications Following Abdominal Surgery

Pulmonary complications following abdominal surgery included:

(1) atelectasis

(2) pneumonia

The pulmonary outcomes did not include pulmonary emboli, pneumothorax, respiratory failure or other possible pulmonary complications.

Parameters:

(1) age

(2) body mass index (BMI

(3) past medical history of cancer

(4) cognitive function prior to surgery

(5) abdominal incision site

(6) cigarette smoking history in past 8 weeks

where:

• BMI = (body weight in kilograms) / ((body height in meters)^2)

• Laparoscopic techniques may reduce the risk associated with upper abdominal incisions.

total number of risk factors =

= SUM(points for all 6 risk factors)

Interpretation:

• minimum score: 0

• maximum score: 6

• The more risk factors the higher the risk for postoperative complications.

Of these risk factors, smoking cessation is a modifiable risk factor. The choice of an incision to avoid the upper abdomen may be modifiable. Weight reduction could be done if there is sufficient time prior the operation.