Background

Postoperative respiratory depression (PORD) can arise from a number and combination of variables leading to reduced pulmonary function including prolonged supine positioning², anesthetics and analgesics utilized during surgery, use of narcotics for analgesic management, and can be exacerbated by certain types of surgeries including thoracic or abdominal procedures that further diminish lung capacity³. The majority of PORD events (85%) occur within the initial 24 hours post-surgery.⁴ Atelectasis occurring at the induction of anesthesia, and possibly persisting post-surgery,² can lead to varying degrees of respiratory depression. These effects may have clinically relevant long-term consequences including heightened morbidity and mortality beyond the time of hospital discharge.⁵ The aim of this market research study was to understand the current PORD treatment landscape and areas needing improvement.

Conclusions

• HCPs recognize downstream impact of acute presentation of PORD, however, acknowledge unknown incidence and variable definition
• Challenges include management of PORD in the general ward, variability in treatment capabilities, and lack of follow-up after discharge
• Analgesic non-interference, earlier recognition of PORD risk, and prophylactic treatment are acknowledged unmet needs