Respiratory failure following pulmonary resection.

Improvements in the perioperative management of the patient undergoing pulmonary resections have reduced postoperative complication rates steadily in the last several decades. However, postresection respiratory failure, particularly lung injury with no discernible cause, remains a major cause of morbidity and mortality. Because the incidence of this entity is relatively low, the terminology, pathogenesis, and optimal management are poorly delineated in the literature. The purpose of this review is to describe the criteria used to define postresection lung injury, discuss the possible etiologic factors, and outline currently available treatment strategies.