Factors Contributing to Pulmonary Complications Among Postoperative Open Heart Surgery Patients.

Background: Open-heart surgery is critical for treating cardiovascular conditionslike coronary artery disease, valve dysfunction, and congenital heart defects, butpostoperative pulmonary complications (PPCs) remain a significant risk, leading toincreased ICU stays and mortality rates. PPCs include complications such asatelectasis, pleural effusion, and pneumonia, influenced by preoperative,intraoperative, and postoperative factors. Objective: To identify factorscontributing to pulmonary complications among postoperative open heart surgerypatients. Settings: This study was carried out in the cardiothoracic intensive careunit at Alexandria Main University Hospital and Sharq El Madina Hospital, Egypt.Subjects: A convenience sample of 100 adult post-open heart surgery patients fromboth genders and their ages ranged from 18 to 65 years, who were newly admittedto the previously mentioned CICUs. Tools: Two tools were utilized for datacollection in this study, namely “Perioperative Assessment of Patients UndergoingOpen-Heart Surgery’’ and “Postoperative Pulmonary Complications Assessment”.Results: The study showed that key preoperative factors were chronic heart failureand low hemoglobin levels, identifying significant risk factors for postoperativepulmonary complications (PPCs). Intraoperative risks included prolonged surgeryand higher anesthesia doses. Postoperative challenges involved prolongedimmobility and extended ICU stays. Atelectasis was the most common PPC (84%),followed by pleural effusions (29%). Conclusion: Age, male gender, comorbidities,and smoking significantly influence postoperative pulmonary complications (PPCs),with key risk factors including chronic heart failure, high CRP levels, andprolonged immobility. Recommendations: Critical care nurses should focus onoptimizing preoperative health and ensuring effective postoperative care, includingearly mobilization, vigilant infection control, and rehabilitation.