Skip to main content
Top
Published in: European Journal of Trauma and Emergency Surgery 4/2021

01-08-2021 | Abdominal Surgery | Review Article

The effect of postoperative respiratory and mobilization interventions on postoperative complications following abdominal surgery: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Authors: Dunja Kokotovic, Adam Berkfors, Ismail Gögenur, Sarah Ekeloef, Jakob Burcharth

Published in: European Journal of Trauma and Emergency Surgery | Issue 4/2021

Login to get access

Abstract

Purpose

Up to 30% of patients undergoing abdominal surgery suffer from postoperative pulmonary complications. The purpose of this systematic review and meta-analyses was to investigate whether postoperative respiratory interventions and mobilization interventions compared with usual care can prevent postoperative complications following abdominal surgery.

Methods

The review was conducted in line with PRISMA and GRADE guidelines. MEDLINE, Embase, and PEDRO were searched for randomized controlled trials and observational studies comparing postoperative respiratory interventions and mobilization interventions with usual care in patients undergoing abdominal surgery. Meta-analyses with trial sequential analysis on the outcome pulmonary complications were performed. Review registration: PROSPERO (identifier: CRD42019133629)

Results

Pulmonary complications were addressed in 25 studies containing 2068 patients. Twenty-three studies were included in the meta-analyses. Patients predominantly underwent open elective upper abdominal surgery. Postoperative respiratory interventions consisted of expiratory resistance modalities (CPAP, EPAP, BiPAP, NIV), assisted inspiratory flow modalities (IPPB, IPAP), patient-operated ventilation modalities (spirometry, PEP), and structured breathing exercises. Meta-analyses found that ventilation with high expiratory resistance (CPAP, EPAP, BiPAP, NIV) reduced the risk of pulmonary complications with OR 0.42 (95% CI 0.18–0.97, p = 0.04, I2 = 0%) compared with usual care, however, the trial sequential analysis revealed that the required information size was not met. Neither postoperative assisted inspiratory flow therapy, patient-operated ventilation modalities, nor breathing exercises reduced the risk of pulmonary complications.

Conclusion

The use of postoperative expiratory resistance modalities (CPAP, EPAP, BiPAP, NIV) after abdominal surgery might prevent pulmonary complications and it seems the preventive abilities were largely driven by postoperative treatment with CPAP.
Appendix
Available only for authorised users
Literature
2.
go back to reference Schwieger I, Gamulin Z, Forster A, Meyer P, Gemperle M, Suter PM. Absence of benefit of incentive spirometry in low-risk patients undergoing elective cholecystectomy. A controlled randomized study. Chest. 1986;89:652–6.CrossRefPubMed Schwieger I, Gamulin Z, Forster A, Meyer P, Gemperle M, Suter PM. Absence of benefit of incentive spirometry in low-risk patients undergoing elective cholecystectomy. A controlled randomized study. Chest. 1986;89:652–6.CrossRefPubMed
5.
7.
go back to reference Warner DO. Preventing postoperative pulmonary complications: the role of the anesthesiologist. Anesthesiology. 2000;92:1467–72.CrossRefPubMed Warner DO. Preventing postoperative pulmonary complications: the role of the anesthesiologist. Anesthesiology. 2000;92:1467–72.CrossRefPubMed
8.
go back to reference Denehy L, Carroll S, Ntoumenopoulos G, Jenkins S. A randomized controlled trial comparing periodic mask CPAP with physiotherapy after abdominal surgery. Physiother Res Int. 2001;6:236–50.CrossRefPubMed Denehy L, Carroll S, Ntoumenopoulos G, Jenkins S. A randomized controlled trial comparing periodic mask CPAP with physiotherapy after abdominal surgery. Physiother Res Int. 2001;6:236–50.CrossRefPubMed
9.
go back to reference Fagevik Olsen M, Hahn I, Nordgren S, Lonroth H, Lundholm K. Randomized controlled trial of prophylactic chest physiotherapy in major abdominal surgery. Br J Surg. 1997;84:1535–8.CrossRefPubMed Fagevik Olsen M, Hahn I, Nordgren S, Lonroth H, Lundholm K. Randomized controlled trial of prophylactic chest physiotherapy in major abdominal surgery. Br J Surg. 1997;84:1535–8.CrossRefPubMed
10.
go back to reference Jung R, Wight J, Nusser R, Rosoff L. Comparison of three methods of respiratory care following upper abdominal surgery. Chest. 1980;78:31–5.CrossRefPubMed Jung R, Wight J, Nusser R, Rosoff L. Comparison of three methods of respiratory care following upper abdominal surgery. Chest. 1980;78:31–5.CrossRefPubMed
11.
go back to reference Mackay MR, Ellis E, Johnston C. Randomised clinical trial of physiotherapy after open abdominal surgery in high risk patients. Aust J Physiother. 2005;51:151–9.CrossRefPubMed Mackay MR, Ellis E, Johnston C. Randomised clinical trial of physiotherapy after open abdominal surgery in high risk patients. Aust J Physiother. 2005;51:151–9.CrossRefPubMed
12.
go back to reference Sanal Bas S, Kultufan TS. Comparison of effect of noninvasive pressure techniques on postoperative pulmonary functions in patients undergoing major abdominal surgery. J Crit Intensive Care. 2017;8:71–6. Sanal Bas S, Kultufan TS. Comparison of effect of noninvasive pressure techniques on postoperative pulmonary functions in patients undergoing major abdominal surgery. J Crit Intensive Care. 2017;8:71–6.
13.
go back to reference Thomas JA, McIntosh JM. Are incentive spirometry, intermittent positive pressure breathing, and deep breathing exercises effective in the prevention of postoperative pulmonary complications after upper abdominal surgery? A systematic overview and meta-analysis. Phys Ther. 1994;74:3–10. https://doi.org/10.1093/ptj/74.1.3.CrossRefPubMed Thomas JA, McIntosh JM. Are incentive spirometry, intermittent positive pressure breathing, and deep breathing exercises effective in the prevention of postoperative pulmonary complications after upper abdominal surgery? A systematic overview and meta-analysis. Phys Ther. 1994;74:3–10. https://​doi.​org/​10.​1093/​ptj/​74.​1.​3.CrossRefPubMed
16.
go back to reference Chumillas S, Ponce JL, Delgado F, Viciano V, Mateu M. Prevention of postoperative pulmonary complications through respiratory rehabilitation: a controlled clinical study. Arch Phys Med Rehabil. 1998;79:5–9.CrossRefPubMed Chumillas S, Ponce JL, Delgado F, Viciano V, Mateu M. Prevention of postoperative pulmonary complications through respiratory rehabilitation: a controlled clinical study. Arch Phys Med Rehabil. 1998;79:5–9.CrossRefPubMed
22.
go back to reference Higgins JPT. Cochrane handbook for systematic reviews of interventions. Version 5.1.0. London: The Cochrane Collaboration; 2011. Higgins JPT. Cochrane handbook for systematic reviews of interventions. Version 5.1.0. London: The Cochrane Collaboration; 2011.
27.
go back to reference Schünemann H BJ, Guyatt G, Oxman A. GRADE handbook for grading quality of evidence and strength of recommendations. guidelinedevelopmentorg/handbook. 2013 Schünemann H BJ, Guyatt G, Oxman A. GRADE handbook for grading quality of evidence and strength of recommendations. guidelinedevelopmentorg/handbook. 2013
28.
go back to reference Tyson AF, Kendig CE, Mabedi C, Cairns BA, Charles AG. The effect of incentive spirometry on postoperative pulmonary function following laparotomy a randomized clinical trial. JAMA Surg. 2015;150:229–36.CrossRefPubMed Tyson AF, Kendig CE, Mabedi C, Cairns BA, Charles AG. The effect of incentive spirometry on postoperative pulmonary function following laparotomy a randomized clinical trial. JAMA Surg. 2015;150:229–36.CrossRefPubMed
29.
go back to reference Ali J, Serrette C, Wood LD, Anthonisen NR. Effect of postoperative intermittent positive pressure breathing on lung function. Chest. 1984;85:192–6.CrossRefPubMed Ali J, Serrette C, Wood LD, Anthonisen NR. Effect of postoperative intermittent positive pressure breathing on lung function. Chest. 1984;85:192–6.CrossRefPubMed
30.
go back to reference Arvidsson L, Hallbook T, Lindblad B, Lindroth B, Wolff T. Is the physiotherapeutic respirator care as postoperative prevention valuable? Lakartidningen. 1982;79:1480–1.PubMed Arvidsson L, Hallbook T, Lindblad B, Lindroth B, Wolff T. Is the physiotherapeutic respirator care as postoperative prevention valuable? Lakartidningen. 1982;79:1480–1.PubMed
31.
go back to reference Baxter WD, Levine RS. An evaluation of intermittent positive pressure breathing in the prevention of postoperative pulmonary complications. Arch Surg. 1969;98(6):795–8.CrossRefPubMed Baxter WD, Levine RS. An evaluation of intermittent positive pressure breathing in the prevention of postoperative pulmonary complications. Arch Surg. 1969;98(6):795–8.CrossRefPubMed
32.
go back to reference Carlsson C, Sonden B, Thylen U. Can postoperative continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) prevent pulmonary complications after abdominal surgery? Intensive Care Med. 1981;7:225–9.CrossRefPubMed Carlsson C, Sonden B, Thylen U. Can postoperative continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) prevent pulmonary complications after abdominal surgery? Intensive Care Med. 1981;7:225–9.CrossRefPubMed
33.
go back to reference Chuter TA, Weissman C, Mathews DM, Starker PM. Diaphragmatic breathing maneuvers and movement of the diaphragm after cholecystectomy. Chest. 1990;97:1110–4.CrossRefPubMed Chuter TA, Weissman C, Mathews DM, Starker PM. Diaphragmatic breathing maneuvers and movement of the diaphragm after cholecystectomy. Chest. 1990;97:1110–4.CrossRefPubMed
34.
go back to reference Dohi S, Gold MI. Comparison of two methods of postoperative respiratory care. Chest. 1978;73:592–5.CrossRefPubMed Dohi S, Gold MI. Comparison of two methods of postoperative respiratory care. Chest. 1978;73:592–5.CrossRefPubMed
35.
go back to reference Hallbook T, Lindblad B, Lindroth B, Wolff T. Prophylaxis against pulmonary complications in patients undergoing gall-bladder surgery. A comparison between early mobilization, physiotherapy with and without bronchodilatation. Ann Chir Gynaecol. 1984;73:55–8.PubMed Hallbook T, Lindblad B, Lindroth B, Wolff T. Prophylaxis against pulmonary complications in patients undergoing gall-bladder surgery. A comparison between early mobilization, physiotherapy with and without bronchodilatation. Ann Chir Gynaecol. 1984;73:55–8.PubMed
36.
go back to reference Heisterberg L, Johansen TS, Larsen HW, Holm M, Andersen B. Postoperative pulmonary complications in upper abdominal surgery. A randomized clinical comparison between physiotherapy and blow-bottles. Acta Chir Scand. 1979;145:505–7.PubMed Heisterberg L, Johansen TS, Larsen HW, Holm M, Andersen B. Postoperative pulmonary complications in upper abdominal surgery. A randomized clinical comparison between physiotherapy and blow-bottles. Acta Chir Scand. 1979;145:505–7.PubMed
37.
go back to reference Lederer DH, Van de Water JM, Indech RB. Which deep breathing device should the postoperative patient use? Chest. 1980;77:610–3.CrossRefPubMed Lederer DH, Van de Water JM, Indech RB. Which deep breathing device should the postoperative patient use? Chest. 1980;77:610–3.CrossRefPubMed
38.
39.
go back to reference Lyager S, Wernberg M, Rajani N, Boggild-Madsen B, Nielsen L, Nielsen HC, et al. Can postoperative pulmonary conditions be improved by treatment with the Bartlett-Edwards incentive spirometer after upper abdominal surgery? Acta Anaesthesiol Scand. 1979;23:312–9.CrossRefPubMed Lyager S, Wernberg M, Rajani N, Boggild-Madsen B, Nielsen L, Nielsen HC, et al. Can postoperative pulmonary conditions be improved by treatment with the Bartlett-Edwards incentive spirometer after upper abdominal surgery? Acta Anaesthesiol Scand. 1979;23:312–9.CrossRefPubMed
40.
go back to reference Morran CG, Finlay IG, Mathieson M, McKay AJ, Wilson N, McArdle CS. Randomized controlled trial of physiotherapy for postoperative pulmonary complications. Br J Anaesth. 1983;55:1113–7.CrossRefPubMed Morran CG, Finlay IG, Mathieson M, McKay AJ, Wilson N, McArdle CS. Randomized controlled trial of physiotherapy for postoperative pulmonary complications. Br J Anaesth. 1983;55:1113–7.CrossRefPubMed
41.
go back to reference O'Connor M, Tattersall MP, Carter JA. An evaluation of the incentive spirometer to improve lung function after cholecystectomy. Anaesthesia. 1988;43:785–7.CrossRefPubMed O'Connor M, Tattersall MP, Carter JA. An evaluation of the incentive spirometer to improve lung function after cholecystectomy. Anaesthesia. 1988;43:785–7.CrossRefPubMed
43.
go back to reference Possa SS, Amador CB, Costa AM, Sakamoto ET, Kondo CS, Vasconcellos ALM, et al. Implementation of a guideline for physical therapy in the postoperative period of upper abdominal surgery reduces the incidence of atelectasis and length of hospital stay. Rev Port Pneumol. 2014;20:69–77.CrossRef Possa SS, Amador CB, Costa AM, Sakamoto ET, Kondo CS, Vasconcellos ALM, et al. Implementation of a guideline for physical therapy in the postoperative period of upper abdominal surgery reduces the incidence of atelectasis and length of hospital stay. Rev Port Pneumol. 2014;20:69–77.CrossRef
44.
go back to reference Ricksten SE, Bengtsson A, Soderberg C, Thorden M, Kvist H. Effects of periodic positive airway pressure by mask on postoperative pulmonary function. Chest. 1986;89:774–81.CrossRefPubMed Ricksten SE, Bengtsson A, Soderberg C, Thorden M, Kvist H. Effects of periodic positive airway pressure by mask on postoperative pulmonary function. Chest. 1986;89:774–81.CrossRefPubMed
46.
go back to reference Schuppisser JP, Brandli O, Meili U. Postoperative intermittent positive pressure breathing versus physiotherapy. Am J Surg. 1980;140:682–6.CrossRefPubMed Schuppisser JP, Brandli O, Meili U. Postoperative intermittent positive pressure breathing versus physiotherapy. Am J Surg. 1980;140:682–6.CrossRefPubMed
47.
go back to reference Silva YR, Li SK, Rickard M. Does the addition of deep breathing exercises to physiotherapy-directed early mobilisation alter patient outcomes following high-risk open upper abdominal surgery? Cluster randomised controlled trial. Physiotherapy. 2013;99:187–93.CrossRefPubMed Silva YR, Li SK, Rickard M. Does the addition of deep breathing exercises to physiotherapy-directed early mobilisation alter patient outcomes following high-risk open upper abdominal surgery? Cluster randomised controlled trial. Physiotherapy. 2013;99:187–93.CrossRefPubMed
48.
go back to reference Sleszynski SL, Kelso AF. Comparison of thoracic manipulation with incentive spirometry in preventing postoperative atelectasis. J Am Osteopat Assoc. 1993;93:834–46. Sleszynski SL, Kelso AF. Comparison of thoracic manipulation with incentive spirometry in preventing postoperative atelectasis. J Am Osteopat Assoc. 1993;93:834–46.
54.
go back to reference Sibbald WJ. Myocardial function in the critically ill: factors influencing left and right ventricular performance in patients with sepsis and trauma. Surg Clin N Am. 1985;65:867–93.CrossRefPubMed Sibbald WJ. Myocardial function in the critically ill: factors influencing left and right ventricular performance in patients with sepsis and trauma. Surg Clin N Am. 1985;65:867–93.CrossRefPubMed
Metadata
Title
The effect of postoperative respiratory and mobilization interventions on postoperative complications following abdominal surgery: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors
Dunja Kokotovic
Adam Berkfors
Ismail Gögenur
Sarah Ekeloef
Jakob Burcharth
Publication date
01-08-2021
Publisher
Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in
European Journal of Trauma and Emergency Surgery / Issue 4/2021
Print ISSN: 1863-9933
Electronic ISSN: 1863-9941
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00068-020-01522-x

Other articles of this Issue 4/2021

European Journal of Trauma and Emergency Surgery 4/2021 Go to the issue