TY - JOUR T1 - Comparison of lung expansion techniques on thoracoabdominal mechanics and on incidence of pulmonary complications after abdominal surgery: A randomised controlled trial JF - European Respiratory Journal JO - Eur Respir J VL - 44 IS - Suppl 58 SP - 4679 AU - Adriana Lunardi AU - Denise Paisani AU - Cibele Marques da Silva AU - Desiderio Cano AU - Celso Carvalho Y1 - 2014/09/01 UR - http://erj.ersjournals.com/content/44/Suppl_58/4679.abstract N2 - Lung expansion techniques (LET) are widely used to prevent postoperative pulmonary complications (PPC). However, the effect of each of these techniques on thoracoabdominal mechanics and its relationship with the incidence of PPC after abdominal surgery remain unclear. HYPOTHESIS: The LET that promotes higher chest wall volume with lower respiratory effort would be better to prevent PPC. OBJECTIVE: To compare the effect of LET on pulmonary volumes, respiratory muscle activation and incidence of PPC after abdominal surgery. METHODS: This randomised and controlled trial enrolled 137 patients randomly assigned into 4 groups: control (n=35), volume incentive spirometry (n=34); flow incentive spirometry (n=33) and deep breathing (n=35). Intervention groups performed 50 repetitions of specific technique, 3 times a day during 5 days. PPC (pneumonia or atelectasis or severe hypoxemia) were analysed by a blinded evaluator until hospital discharge. Chest wall volume (via optoelectronic plethysmography) and sternocleidomastoid and superior and inferior intercostal muscles activation (via electromyography) were assessed before and 3 days after surgery, during baseline and deep breathings. ANOVA and chi-square were tested considering intention to treat. RESULTS: Groups were homogenous for age, gender, BMI and lung function. After surgery, all groups were similar on chest wall volume variation and respiratory muscle activation. The incidence of PPC was higher on deep breathing group (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: LET have similar effect on thoracoabdominal mechanics and do not prevent PPC in patients undergoing upper abdominal surgery. ER -