ObjectiveTo evaluate the effect of airway management drugs on the respiratory function and postoperative recovery of patients who had moderate or severe chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases(COPD) undergoing an open chest surgery. MethodThere were a total of 22 patients suffering from both lung cancer, esophageal cancer or gastroesophageal junction carcinoma and moderate to severe COPD(of which there were 16 males and 6 females; accepting traditional operation 5 cases and minimally-invasive operation 17 cases; lung cancer 16 cases, esophageal cancer 4 cases and gastroesophageal junction carcinoma 2 cases as the observation group). To statistic the respiratory function and arterial blood gas analysis before and after treating with airway management drugs. And compare the postoperative pulmonary complications(PPCs) and hospital-stay with 50 patients who have no COPD(of which there were 34 males and 16 females; accepting traditional operation 17 cases and minimally-invasive operation 33 cases; lung cancer 35 cases, esophageal cancer 11 cases and gastroesophageal junction carcinoma 4 cases as the control group). ResultThere was a statistical difference of forced expiratory volume in one second(FEV1), forced vital capacity(FVC) and maximal voluntary ventilation(MVV) after the above treatment by 7 to 10 days and comparing with prior treatment(P<0.05). Partial pressure of oxygen(PaO2) increased with no statistical difference(P>0.05) while PaCO2 decreased with a statistical difference(P<0.05）. Comparing with patients without COPD, the incidences of PPCs and postoperative hospital stay were of no statistical difference(P>0.05). ConclusionPatients with moderate or severe COPD with airway management drugs(antibiotics,glucocorticoids, bronchodilators and phlegm dissolving agent) in perioperative period could improve the respiratory function and operation tolerance effectively, reduce the incidence of PPCs and shorten postoperative hospital stay.