Risk factors associated with surgical complications in a patient with cystic fibrosis:
(1) malnutrition with hypoalbuminemia
(2) chronic corticosteroid therapy with poor wound healing and increased risk for infections
(3) colonization with antibiotic-resistant bacteria
(4) mucus plugging of the airways which can result in atelectasis and/or bronchopneumonia
(5) poor respiratory function with risk of prolonged postoperative intubation
(6) coagulopathy associated with vitamin K deficiency caused by malabsorption
(7) hyperreactive airways with bronchospasm
Anesthesia considerations:
(1) Anticholinergic drugs can further increase the viscosity of the secretions.
(2) Inspired gases should be well-humidified.
(3) Oversedation can result in respiratory depression.
(4) The patient should be kept well-hydrated to avoid thickened secretions.
