Short term non-invasive ventilation post-surgery improves arterial blood-gases in obese subjects compared to supplemental oxygen delivery - a randomized controlled trial

2011

Non-invasive Ventilation Improves Recovery After Surgery in Obese Patients

Sample size: 60 publication 10 minutes Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Zoremba Martin, Kalmus Gerald, Begemann Domenique, Eberhart Leopold, Zoremba Norbert, Wulf Hinnerk, Dette Frank

Primary Institution: Department of Anaesthesia and Intensive Care Medicine, University of Marburg

Hypothesis

Does early initiation of short term non-invasive ventilation improve postoperative lung function in obese patients compared to supplemental oxygen delivery?

Conclusion

Early initiation of short term non-invasive ventilation during the PACU promotes more rapid recovery of postoperative lung function and oxygenation in obese patients.

Supporting Evidence

NIV group had significantly better oxygen and carbon dioxide pressures in the PACU.
The alveolar to arterial oxygen partial pressure difference was less in the NIV group.
Overall improvements in lung function persisted for at least 24 hours after surgery.

Takeaway

Using a special breathing machine right after surgery helps obese patients breathe better and recover faster.

Methodology

60 obese patients were randomly assigned to receive either non-invasive ventilation or supplemental oxygen after surgery, with measurements taken at various intervals.