Respiratory Mechanics and Gas Exchange in Thoracic Surgery: Changes in Classical Knowledge in Respiratory Physiology

Respiratory mechanics describe the lung function through pressure and flow and the interplay between the two during the respiratory cycle. Derived indices are volume, compliance and resistance (Hess, Respir Care 59(11):1773–1794, 2014). Thoracic surgery in most cases requires the separation of the lungs in order to allow surgery of or near one lung and ventilation of the other lung, while the perfusion to the non-ventilated lung is continued. This has profound implications for the gas exchange and respiratory mechanics.