Perioperative management of respiratory disease

Respiratory system complications during the perioperative period are very common. The likelihood of respiratory complications is increased in the presence of coexisting respiratory disease. This contribution discusses the general measures that can be taken during the preoperative, intraoperative and postoperative periods to minimize complications. Specific common respiratory diseases such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, respiratory infections, bronchiectasis and obstructive sleep apnoea are dealt with in more detail.