ATRIAL-FIBRILLATION AFTER SURGERY OF THE LUNG - CLINICAL ANALYSIS OF RISK-FACTORS

Objective: The aim of this study was to determine which of the clinica l parameters are the most valuable in predicting postoperative atrial fibrillation after lung surgery. Materials and methods: Retrospective analysis was carried out on 298 patients after pulmonary resection nec essitated mainly by lung cancer. The following parameters were investi gated: age and sex, disturbances of cardiac rhythm, history of ischemi c heart disease, diabetes and atherosclerosis, NYHA classification and type of surgical procedure. In addition, the duration of surgery, var iations in oxygen saturation, changes in systemic blood pressure and h eart-rate were noted intraoperatively. Statistical analysis was perfor med using Fisher's exact test. Results and conclusions: Atrial fibrill ation occurred in 25 cases (8.4%) and more frequently after pneumonect omy (24%). Other factors contributing to atrial fibrillation after lun g surgery were: history of ischemic heart disease, congestive heart fa ilure, intraoperative cardiac arrest and the need for rethoracotomy. ( C) 1998 Published by Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.