After a thoracic laminectomy, which complication is indicated by decreased cough?

Decreased cough following a thoracic laminectomy can indicate aspiration pneumonia. This is closely related to the impact of neurological function and respiratory effort after surgery. The cough reflex is an important mechanism for clearing secretions and protecting the airway. A thoracic laminectomy can potentially compromise the integrity of the spinal cord at the thoracic level, affecting the nerves that control respiratory muscles. If the cough reflex is diminished, patients may have difficulty clearing their airways, making them more susceptible to aspiration of secretions into the lungs, which can lead to aspiration pneumonia.

While aspiration pneumonia is directly linked to decreased cough, the other options, such as urinary retention, pneumonia/atelectasis, and wound infection, relate to different postoperative complications not primarily indicated by a reduced ability to cough.