Evaluation with respiratory function test of the effects of coronary artery surgery on respiratory functions

Objective:Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) are usually seen together. Presence of COPD is one of the major preoperative risk factor for mortality and morbidity in coronary artery bypass grafting surgery (CABG). In our research we investigated the effects of CABG on pulmonary function in postoperative period with respiratory function tests.Patients and Method:50 patients who went through isolated CABG in our clinic between the dates of September 2010 ? September 2011 were included in this study. 24 Patients with preoperative FEV1 value <%70 were taken into COPD group (Group 1) and the remaining 26 patients were taken into control group (Group 2) according to the respiratory function tests.Findings:In COPD group mechanical ventilation time (Group 1: 16.5 ± 2.6 hours, Grup 2: 14.9 ± 2.7 hours; p=0.0001) and hospital stay (Group 1: 13.8 ± 5.4 days, Group 2: 10.1 ± 2.5 days; p=0.004) were significantly increased compared to the control group. Pulmonary function parameters were not significantly changed in COPD group but on the other hand significant decrease in postoperative values was seen in the control group.Results:The diagnosis, evaluation and start of appropriate treatment of COPD in preoperative period are significantly important factors in order to reduce of respiratory complications during postoperative period in CABG patients. For this reason preoperative respiratory function tests should be applied routinely in CABG patients.