Respiratory events are between the most frequent postoperative complications. The preoperative conditions associated with postoperative respiratory failure were evaluated in a prospective study of 1182 patients from six Italian Surgical Units. Multiple regression logistic analysis was employed for statistical evaluation and a predictive prognostic score was derived. Only the presence of the following conditions was significant in affecting postoperative respiratory outcomes: preoperative respiratory and cardiac failure, hypotransferrinemia, prolonged surgical procedures (above the 2 hours) and peroperative bacterial contamination. Advanced age did not appear as a major risk factor. Studies on the predetermination of the pulmonary complications have been widely published. Historical risk factors include the presence of respiratory disease, smoking habits, obesity and thoracic or upper abdominal surgical procedures. Although the results of the present study need a prospective confirmation, the predictive scoring system proves to be a usefull tool that can be employed in most of the General Surgery Units.