Respiratory problems may develop after abdominal operations. It is more common especially in upper abdominal surgeries than in lower abdominal surgeries. In this study, patients with pleural effusion developed after abdominal operations were evaluated retrospectively in terms of etiology and drainage indications. A total of 56 patients who underwent abdominal surgery between March 2012 and November 2018 with pleural effusion were included in the study. Age, sex, smoking history, concomitant diseases, operative diagnoses, and operations performed and treatment results of the patients were recorded. 19 (33.9%) of the cases were female, 37 (66.1%) were male, and the mean age was 52.5±12.16 (24-82). In the postoperative period; pleural effusion developed in 12 (21.4%) bilaterally, in 15 (26.8%) on the right side, and in 29 (51.8%) on the left side. 18 (32.1%) of the cases underwent liver cyst and tumor surgery; 15 (26.8%), splenic surgery; 17 (30.3%), gastric tumor surgery; 2 (3.6%), calculous pouch-cholecystitis surgery; and 4 (7.1%), colon-rectum surgery. Fluid transfer to the intrathoracic area may occur due to the high intra-abdominal pressure as a result of the disruption in the integrity of the diaphragmatic peritoneal face after abdominal surgery. Additionally, hypoalbuminemia in the postoperative period has a role in the development of pleural effusion. Pleural fluid drainage may be required to prevent possible morbidities and mortalities in such cases.
Key words: Abdomen surgery, pleural effusion, thoracostomy, drainage
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