Intra-operative Inspiratory Oxygen Fraction and Postoperative Respiratory Complications

Intra-operative Inspiratory Oxygen Fraction and Postoperative Respiratory Complications

Respiratory complications represent the second most frequent type of postoperative complications with an incidence estimated to range from 2.0% to 7.9%

It has been shown that intra-operative protective ventilation is associated with a reduced risk of respiratory complications. The effects of intra-operative inspiratory oxygen fraction (FiO2) remain to be investigated.

In this study, the investigators aim to investigate the association between intra-operative FiO2 and respiratory complication as well as surgical site infection and ICU admission in patients undergoing non-cardiothoracic surgery. The investigators primary hypothesis is that high intra-operative FiO2 increases the risk of postoperative respiratory complications independent of predefined risk factors.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Non-cardiothoracic surgery at Massachusetts General Hospital between January 2007 and August 2015
• Tracheally intubated at the beginning of the procedure and extubated at the end of the procedure
• above18 years of age

Exclusion Criteria:

• Missing information regarding main characteristics or the exposure variable