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Pathophysiology and Treatment of Acute Respiratory Failure in the Postoperative Patient
Abstract
The pathophysiology and treatment of acute respiratory failure in the postoperative patient is discussed. Special emphasis is placed on the concept of closing volumes, which forms the basis for the understanding of the pathophysiology, and is used as an index for patient assessment. In the treatment of acute respiratory failure postoperatively, the discussion has been confined to prophylaxis, use of intravenous analgesia, intermittent positive pressure ventilation and the dramatic use of positive endrespiratory pressure.
S. Afr. Med. J., 48, 1257 (1974).
S. Afr. Med. J., 48, 1257 (1974).