Acute lung injury and acute respiratory distress syndrome after pulmonary resection

Background. In this study we investigate the frequency and mortality of acute lung injury (ALI) and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) after pulmonary resection. Methods. Patients that underwent pulmonary resection at the Royal Brompton Hospital between 1991 and 1997 were included. The case notes of all patients developing postoperative complications were retrospectively reviewed. Results. The overall combined frequency of ALI and ARDS was 3.9%. The frequency was higher in patients over 60 years of age, males and those undergoing resection for lung cancer. ALI/ARDS caused 72.5% of the total mortality after resection in this series. Conclusions. In our experience ALI and ARDS are major causes of mortality after lung resection.