We found that there were six independent risk factors for postoperative pulmonary disease, as follows: increased age (P = 0.047, OR = 1.622, 95% CI: 1.006–2.614), COPD (P = 0.001, OR = 5.521, 95% CI: 2.093–14.565), emergency surgery (P = 0.004, OR = 3.407, 95% CI: 1.487–7.804), postoperative reduced albumin (P < 0.001, OR = 2.226, 95% CI: 1.447–3.423), prolonged mechanical ventilation (P = 0.047, OR = 1.949, 95% CI: 1.008–3.766), and longer duration of bed rest (P < 0.001, OR = 2.671, 95% CI: 1.694–4.212). This evidence concerns the gene ALB and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.