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Atelectasis Incomplete is an incomplete expansion of lobules (clusters of alveoli) or lung segments may result in partial or complete lung collapse. The collapsed tissue, unable to perform gas exchange, allows unoxygenated blood to pass through it unchanged, producing hypoxemia (deficient oxygenation of the blood). Atelectasis can be present at birth (incomplete expansion of the lungs), or during adulthood (from a collapsed lung). It may be chronic or acute. It occurs to some degree in many patients undergoing upper abdominal or thoracic surgery such as bariatric surgery. Prognosis depends on prompt removal of any airway obstruction, relief of hypoxia, and reexpansion of the collapsed lobule(s) or lung(s). This is very common and is one of the most common sources of fever in the immediate postoperative period.
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