[Dutch guideline to prevent perioperative pulmonal complications: how is the adherence?].

Introduction: Patients with a history of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or asthma undergoing surgery are at risk for developing postoperative pulmonary complications, associated with morbidity and mortality. A national guideline was composed on preventive strategies in non-thoracic surgery, in which perioperative administration of corticosteroids are a cornerstone. We investigated the implementation in our hospital.