Postoperative pulmonary complication (PPC) has drawn increasing attention due to high incidence and mortality in surgical patients. However, there are many debates its diagnosis and treatment. This review summarized the pathogenesis, diagnosis, predictive risk indicators, and strategy of lung protective ventilation, as well as surgical, anesthesiological, nursing care and other preventative measures that can be taken in the perioperative period. It also introduces the progress on domestic and oversea researches. In the new era when the concept of enhanced recovery after surgery is widely accepted, close multi‑disciplinary cooperation is required to cope with PPC and reduce its severity.