Risk factors of postoperative pulmonary complications after mandibular fracture

Background Mandibular fractures are common in human activities, and the treatment and recovery process are complicated, which can easily lead to postoperative pulmonary complications (PPCs) in patients. This study investigated the risk factors for PPCs after mandibular fracture surgery using the National Inpatient Sample database. Method Data were analyzed from the National Inpatient Sample (NIS) database, which covered patients who underwent mandibular surgery from 2010 to 2019. The database included patient demographics, hospital characteristics, patients’ comorbidities, and complications. Regarding the analysis methods, univariate and multivariate analyses were employed. Result A total of 41,984 patient samples were collected, comprising 3,514 patients with PPCs, 1,347 with pneumonia, 2,452 with ARF, and 212 with PE. For patients with PPCs, there was a significant increase in the length of stay (LOS) by 12 days, the total charge (TOTCHG) by $163,579, and the mortality rate by 8.9%. Following the analysis, the following risk factors were identified: advanced age, excessive comorbidities (n ≥ 3), fluid and electrolyte disorders, obesity, congestive heart failure, coagulopathy, peripheral vascular disorders, pulmonary circulation disorders, respiratory diseases, other neurological disorders, and paralysis. Conclusion In this study, statistical methods were employed to identify the risk factors for pulmonary complications following mandibular fractures, which can aid in the establishment of a sound surgical procedure.