Peri-operative adverse respiratory events and post-operative non-invasive ventilation

Postoperative respiratory adverse respiratory events (AREs) are a common phenomenon. Multiple causes contribute to peri-operative impairment of respiration and the development of post-operative AREs. AREs have been associated with poor patient outcomes and impose an unplanned burden on the medical system. The treatment of perioperative AREs should be tailored to treat the injurious processes that predominate in the case at hand. Specific characteristics of non-invasive ventilation techniques may make them particularly relevant to specific types of post-operative AREs. Future research needs to focus on identification of patients at risk for perioperative AREs and on matching of ventilation techniques to specific causes of ARE.