Background Pulmonary complications after cardiac surgery are very common and lead to an increased incidence of post-operative morbidity and mortality. Several factors, either modifiable or non-modifiable, may contribute to the associated unfavorable consequences related to pulmonary function. This study was aimed to investigate the degree of alteration and factors influencing pulmonary function (forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) and forced vital capacity), on third, fifth, and seventh post-operative days following cardiac surgery. Methods This study was executed in 71 patients who underwent on-pump cardiac surgery. Pulmonary function was assessed before surgery and on the third, fifth, and seventh post-operative days. Data including surgical details, information about risk factors, and assessment of pulmonary function were obtained. Results The FEV1 and forced vital capacity were significantly impaired on post-operative days 3, 5, and 7 compared to pre-operative values. The reduction in FEV1 was 41%, 29%, and 16% and in forced vital capacity was 42%, 29%, and 19% consecutively on post-operative days 3, 5, and 7. Multivariate analysis was done to detect the factors influencing post-operative FEV1 and forced vital capacity. Discussion This study observed a significant impairment in FEV1 and forced vital capacity, which did not completely recover by the seventh post-operative day. Different factors affecting post-operative FEV1 and forced vital capacity were pre-operative FEV1, age ≥60, less body surface area, lower pre-operative chest expansion at the axillary level, and having more duration of cardiopulmonary bypass during surgery. Presence of these factors enhances the chance of developing post-operative pulmonary complications.
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