Adult respiratory failure.

Pulmonary complications following thoracic surgery are common and associated with significant morbidity and mortality. In particular, acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) can occur postoperatively or after trauma. This syndrome, when complicated by multisystem organ failure, often leads to a poor outcome. This article describes the etiology and pathophysiology of ARDS and evaluates recent advances in pharmacological and nonpharmacological therapies. In addition, newer modalities of mechanical ventilatory support are reviewed.