Commentary

Postoperative respiratory depression and pulmonary complications: serious but underappreciated

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Published: 17 April 2026
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Postoperative pulmonary complications represent one of the most consequential but underappreciated sources of peri- and post-operative morbidity and mortality. Among these, postoperative respiratory depression, characterized by inadequate ventilatory drive, hypoxemia, and hypercapnia following anesthesia and surgery, has emerged as a subtle, but serious threat to patient safety.

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Citations

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Robert B. Raffa, Enalare Therapeutics, Mullica Hill, NJ

Temple University (Emeritus), Philadelphia, PA, USA

How to Cite



1.
Pergolizzi, Jr. JV, Varrassi G, Raffa RB. Postoperative respiratory depression and pulmonary complications: serious but underappreciated. Adv Health Res [Internet]. 2026 Apr. 17 [cited 2026 Apr. 19];3(1). Available from: https://www.ahr-journal.org/site/article/view/132