Atelectasis

Key points

• Atelectasis Atelectasis is a common postoperative complication in which basal alveolar collapse can lead to respiratory difficulty. It is caused when airways become obstructed by bronchial secretions. Features
• it should be suspected in the presentation of dyspnoea and hypoxaemia around 72 hours postoperatively Management
• positioning the patient upright
• chest physiotherapy: breathing exercises