Risk of infection

Pneumonia is an infectious disease caused by bacterial or viral pathogens (more rarely by fungi). Regardless of whether it is a classical pneumonia or a post-operative pneumonia, this disease is contagious. The causative pathogens are usually transmitted by droplet infection. Pneumonia is therefore contagious when one comes into contact with the infected secretion.

How dangerous is pneumonia after surgery?

Pneumonia is a dangerous and definitely treatable disease, as it can be potentially fatal. Especially after an operation, consistent treatment becomes necessary because pneumonia then falls into a period in which the patient is particularly weakened and the disease is often only moderately counteracted by moderate strength reserves and a reduced immune system. How dangerous pneumonia is after surgery depends on several factors.

First and foremost, the general state of health of the patient is important. If the patient is young, healthy and strong before the operation, it can be assumed that the pneumonia will have a positive course if treated correctly. If the patient is older and has multiple pre-existing conditions, there is a risk that the therapy will be long and difficult.

The patient’s state of health is also of crucial importance for the probability of pneumonia developing in the first place. Young patients who recover quickly after surgery, do physiotherapy and are able to leave the hospital soon do not develop pneumonia as quickly as older and severely pre-sick patients who recover more slowly. Patients with immunodeficiency diseases or an immune system limited by chemotherapy are also particularly at risk of pneumonia.

Another factor that is also reflected in the risk of pneumonia is the type of surgery. A minor operation on the extremities is expected to be less complicated than an operation on the heart, lungs or abdominal organs. A complicated course of the pneumonia is also more likely to occur with long post-operative ventilation.

The same applies to a long stay in intensive care. In addition, germs that are resistant to various antibiotics are more likely to occur in the vicinity of a hospital. Since antibiotics are essential in the treatment of pneumonia, a rapid response of the pathogen to the therapy is advantageous. However, if the pneumonia is caused by antibiotic-resistant germs, there is a risk of a long and complicated course.