[Postoperative hypoxemia in aged surgical patients].
The authors analyze postoperative hypoxaemia in a group of 48 patients aged 60 years or more after operation in the upper half of the abdomen. Hypoxaemia with values below 8 kPa in the arterial blood stream which are classified as a respiratory insufficiency were recorded in this group in 52%. In the mechanism of development they draw attention to changes which lead to the formation of atelectases and an impaired relationship of ventilation and perfusion. They draw attention to risk factors and polymorbidity in this age group. In their opinion a suitable indicator of impaired pulmonary function before operation are gas levels in arterial blood compared to normal ones. They emphasize a comprehensive approach in prevention and treatment.