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Canadian Journal of Anesthesia/Journal canadien d'anesthésie

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01-02-2014 | Special Article

From the Journal archives: Postoperative analgesia: effect on lung volumes

Author: Peter Slinger, MD

Published in: Canadian Journal of Anesthesia/Journal canadien d'anesthésie | Issue 2/2014

Summary

This study was undertaken to determine the contribution of postoperative pain to the known changes that occur to respiratory function in the postoperative period. The authors studied changes in functional residual capacity (FRC) and vital capacity (VC) either in the postanesthesia care unit or on postoperative day one in eight relatively healthy adult patients having upper abdominal surgery. These values were compared with measurements immediately before surgery. Variables were measured postoperatively during pain and then again after establishment of epidural analgesia. Epidural analgesia to a T4 sensory level resulted in a partial and statistically significant restoration of VC (from 37-55% of preoperative values) and a partial but statistically insignificant restoration of FRC (from 78-84% of preoperative values). The authors suggest that postoperative epidural analgesia may be able to decrease respiratory complications.

Authors

Wahba MW, Don HF, Craig DB. Can Anaesth Soc J 1975; 22: 519-27.

Purpose

This study was undertaken to determine the contribution of postoperative pain to the known changes that occur to respiratory function in the postoperative period.

Principal findings

Epidural analgesia to T4 resulted in a partial and statistically significant restoration of VC (from 37-55% of preoperative values) and a partial but statistically insignificant restoration of FRC (from 78-84% of preoperative values).

Conclusion

Epidural analgesia has more effect on the voluntary aspects of postoperative respiration (VC) than on the involuntary changes in respiration (FRC) after upper abdominal surgery.

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Title: From the Journal archives: Postoperative analgesia: effect on lung volumes
Author: Peter Slinger, MD
Publication date: 01-02-2014
Publisher: Springer US
Published in: Canadian Journal of Anesthesia/Journal canadien d'anesthésie / Issue 2/2014
Print ISSN: 0832-610X
Electronic ISSN: 1496-8975
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12630-013-0085-6

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

From the Journal archives: Postoperative analgesia: effect on lung volumes

Summary

Authors

Purpose

Principal findings

Conclusion

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Summary

Authors

Purpose

Principal findings

Conclusion

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