Factors related to extubation failure and post pulmonary complications in intracranial surgery in 254 patients: a brief report

The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence and associated factors for postoperative pulmonary complications (PPCs) and extubation failure in patients having undergone intracranial surgery.

In this retrospective study done in Firozgar Hospital during 2008-2010, we followed up 254 patients through a clinical questionnaire and observation of the clinical course of participants in pre- and post-operative periods.

Overall, 40 (15.74%) patients had postoperative pulmonary complications. The most common PPC was pneumonia, which was seen in 24 patients (60% of complications). The average duration of ventilation in patients with PPC was significantly higher (16.8.±10 vs. 5.09±4.5 days; P=0.001) than patients without the complication. The mean Glasgow coma scale (GCS) after surgery in patients with PPC was significantly lower (11.±4 vs. 13.2±3; P=0.001) than the rest of the patients. Moreover, the mean age of patients with PPC was significantly higher (64.02±14 vs. 41.6.±17 years; P=0.001). Average duration of stay in ICU in patients with PPC was also higher (24.±27 vs. 8.7±0.5; P=0.001).

GCS before surgery and failed extubation independently of other variables were significantly associated with pulmonary complications independent of other variables.