ARISCAT Score for Postoperative Pulmonary Complications
Assesses risk of postoperative pulmonary complications (PPC) in adults undergoing surgery. Guides preoperative optimisation and perioperative respiratory monitoring.
Score interpretation
→ ARISCAT Low Risk (0–25): ~1.6% risk of postoperative pulmonary complications. Standard care; incentive spirometry; early mobilisation; adequate analgesia for deep breathing.
→ ARISCAT Intermediate Risk (26–44): ~13.3% PPC risk. Preoperative chest physiotherapy; optimise COPD/asthma; smoking cessation ≥4 weeks pre-op; consider lung-protective ventilation strategy; HDU post-op.
→ ARISCAT High Risk (≥45): ~42.1% PPC risk. Intensive preoperative preparation; pulmonology review; lung-protective ventilation; extubation readiness criteria; ICU post-op; early physiotherapy.
Interpretation bands for the ARISCAT Score. Apply clinical judgement and local guidance.
References
Related
Curated clinical cross-links plus same-class fallbacks.
- Cefuroxime · Second-Generation Cephalosporin — Respiratory / Surgical Prophylaxis
- Itraconazole (Respiratory) · Antifungal — ABPA / Chronic Pulmonary Aspergillosis
- Ketamine (Anaesthesia/Sedation) · Dissociative Anaesthetic (NMDA Receptor Antagonist)
- Morphine (IV/IM — Anaesthesia/ICU) · Strong Opioid Analgesic
- Suxamethonium (Anaesthesia/RSI) · Depolarising Neuromuscular Blocking Agent
- Rocuronium (Anaesthesia/RSI) · Non-Depolarising Neuromuscular Blocking Agent
- Acute Asthma in Adults · BTS/SIGN British Guideline on Asthma 2019; NICE NG80
- Pulmonary Embolism Assessment · NICE NG158; ESC 2019 PE Guidelines
- Acute Exacerbation of COPD (AECOPD) · NICE NG115; GOLD 2024
- Spontaneous Pneumothorax (Adult) · BTS Pleural Disease 2023
- Atypical Pneumonia (Legionella / Mycoplasma / Chlamydophila) · BTS 2023; IDSA
- COPD Exacerbation Management · NICE NG115 / GOLD 2024
Decision support only — verify against a current formulary, NICE, or your local guideline before clinical use.