Abstract: OBJECTIVE To study the effects of salbutamol aerosol inhalation prior to anesthesia induction on respiratory mechanics during one lung ventilation early in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. METHODS Forty patients with concomitant COPD, scheduled for lobectomy were randomly allocated into observation group(n=20) and control group(n=20) . Salbutamol aerosol 200 μg (two puffs) were administered according to instructions before oxygenation via mask in observation group, whereas in control group no aerosol was given before oxygenation via mask. Anesthesia induction was initiated after 30 min oxygenation in both groups. Changes of blood gas analysis, peak and platform pressure of airway, airway resistance and chest-lung compliance were monitored. RESULTS Compared with control group, value of PaCO₂ in anesthesia induction , double lung ventilation, 10 minutes and 20 minutes after one lung ventilation were lower in observation group, however, PaO₂ were higher in respective time, P<0.05 or P<0.01; When compared with control group,the peak of and platform pressure of airway, airway resistance in double lung ventilation, 10 minutes and 20 minutes after one lung ventilation were lower in observation group and chest-lung compliance was higher in observation group, P<0.05. CONCLUSION Salbutamol aerosol inhalation can reduce airway pressure and airway resistance and increase chest-lung compliance during one lung ventilation in patients with COPD. It can improve anestheia safety and it is advantageous for breathing management during operation.