Background: The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence and associated factors for postoperative pulmonary complications (PPCs) and extubation failure in patients having undergone intracranial surgery.

Methods: In this retrospective study done in Firozgar Hospital during 2008-2010, we followed up 254 patients through a clinical questionnaire and observation of the clinical course of participants in pre- and post-operative periods.

Results: Overall, 40 (15.74%) patients had postoperative pulmonary complications. The most common PPC was pneumonia, which was seen in 24 patients (60% of complications). The average duration of ventilation in patients with PPC was significantly higher (16.8.±10 vs. 5.09±4.5 days; P=0.001) than patients without the complication. The mean Glasgow coma scale (GCS) after surgery in patients with PPC was significantly lower (11.±4 vs. 13.2±3; P=0.001) than the rest of the patients. Moreover, the mean age of patients with PPC was significantly higher (64.02±14 vs. 41.6.±17 years; P=0.001). Average duration of stay in ICU in patients with PPC was also higher (24.±27 vs. 8.7±0.5; P=0.001).

Conclusion: GCS before surgery and failed extubation independently of other variables were significantly associated with pulmonary complications independent of other variables.