The following data were recorded during the preoperative examination: Sex, age, height, body weight, BMI, smoking history, complete blood count (leukocytes, hemoglobin, platelets), liver function tests (liver enzymes, albumin), renal function tests, preoperative oxygen saturation, history of previous surgery, and concomitant diseases (type 2 diabetes, hypertension, pulmonary and cardiac diseases).
The following data were also collected: History and physical examination findings, chest radiographs, computed tomographic examinations of the chest (CT), electrocardiography (ECG) and echocardiography (if required), pulmonary function test results (forced expiratory volume (FEV1), forced vital capacity (FVC), and FEV1/FVC ratio), and arterial blood gases. In patients with lung cancer, the type and stage of malignancy were determined, and flexible bronchoscopy was performed.
During the intraoperative process, the type of endotracheal tube, the duration of anesthesia and surgery, the surgical procedure (VATS, thoracotomy, mediastinoscopy, and others) performed, and complications that required intraoperative treatment were also noted.
PPCs have been defined as complications that occur in the postoperative period and cause clinical conditions.