[Postoperative lung complications--introduction].

Intensive care patients suffer according to literature in 20-60% from pneumonia with a mortality up to 80%. The patient, operation and postoperative therapy influence its pathogenesis. Mechanical ventilation is a special risk factor. However, in this regard origin and sequelae may not be changed by mistake. Specifity of clinical and plain X-ray diagnosis is only 30-50%. Selective gastrointestinal decontamination, exactly monitored fluid balance, and physio-, and paintherapy seem to be valuable preventive measures.