Postoperative Pulmonary Complications: Clinical and Imaging Insights

Abstract

Postoperative pulmonary complications (PPCs) continue to be a major cause of illness and death among surgical patients, affecting recovery and increasing healthcare expenses. This in-depth review examines the wide range of PPCs, covering infectious, inflammatory, mechanical, airway, vascular, lymphatic, and transplant-related issues. It highlights the vital function of imaging-especially computed tomography-in promptly identifying, correctly diagnosing, and managing these problems. Frequent complications like pneumonia, empyema, acute respiratory distress syndrome, atelectasis, and pulmonary embolism are covered, as well as rarer but serious conditions such as lung torsion, bronchopleural fistulas, and pseudoaneurysms. The review describes clinic signs and matches them with imaging characteristics to support diagnosis and treatment planning. It also underscores the value of a team-based approach involving surgeons, radiologists, and critical care experts to enable timely care and better patient results.