Positive Expiratory Pressure Therapy on Oxygen Saturation and Ventilation After Abdominal Surgery

In Brief Objective: To evaluate the immediate effects of positive expiratory pressure therapy on oxygen saturation and ventilation after abdominal surgery. Background: Positive to treat postoperative hypoxia is widespread, despite a lack evidence effect. Methods: This randomized, sham-controlled, crossover trial investigated adults 1–2 days surgery at Umeå University Hospital, Sweden. The intervention was 10–15 cm H2O. control sham device. investigations were ended with deep-breathing maneuvers. Outcomes gradient changes in peripheral transcutaneous carbon-dioxide partial (PtcCO2). Results: Eighty patients included randomized 76 analyzed. Oxygen increased from baseline mean 92% 95%, P < 0.001, during breathing, while PtcCO2 decreased 36 33 mm Hg, 0.001. followed by apnea, desaturations 89%, before returning values. did not differ breathing or Conclusions: improves maneuver because hyperventilation, but it hypoventilation, desaturation. effect different expiration device hyperventilation. It time stop surgery, as there no previous trials, apart adverse reported here. Mini-Abstract: Short-term transient authors suggest using