postoperative bronchopneumonia

post·op·er·a·tive bron·cho·pneu·mo·ni·a

patchy pneumonia developing postoperatively in a patient, usually after surgery involving the upper abdomen, with restricted diaphragmatic movement due to pain on inspiration, resulting in hypoventilation of the dependent portions of the lungs, with corresponding inadequate movement of secretions, allowing development of infection; likelihood minimized by early postoperative mobilization, and by deep breathing exercises.