Risk factors for postoperative pulmonary complications: an update of the literature.

Perioperative medicine is a growing area of research that brings together internists, anesthesiologists, surgeons, and hospitalists. A medical team approach to ensure the best possible patient outcomes has fostered collaborative strategies across disciplines. Perioperative pulmonary complications are common and can be associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Effective strategies to identify and reduce risks of pulmonary complications can improve patient outcomes. We review the new literature (2013 to early 2014) in the field of perioperative pulmonary medicine that reports new strategies to improve outcomes in the area of perioperative pulmonary care.