ABSTRACT
The thoracic surgery patient is typically older, has concurrent medical problems, may be debilitated as a result of cancer and/or malnutrition, and often has significant abnormalities of lung function. Pulmonary abnormalities may have arisen from tobacco use, occupational exposure, or a primary disease process. A history of asthma, wheezing, or allergic airway responses is important, both as a risk factor, and to identify patients in whom bronchodilator management may be needed in the post-operative period.
