Risk factors for pulmonary complications after colorectal cancer surgery: a Japanese multicenter study

Purpose Pulmonary complications (PC) are a serious condition with a 20% mortality rate. However, few reports have examined risk factors for PC after colorectal surgery. This study investigated the frequency, characteristics, and risk factors for PC after colorectal cancer surgery. Methods Between January 2016 and December 2022, we retrospectively reviewed 3979 consecutive patients who underwent colorectal cancer surgery in seven participating hospitals. Patients were divided into patients who experienced PC (PC group, n = 54) and patients who did not (non-PC group, n = 3925). Clinical and pathological features were compared between groups. Results Fifty-four patients (1.5%) developed PC, of whom 2 patients (3.7%) died due to PC. Age was greater (80 years vs 71 years; p