Incentive Spirometry: 2011

Abstract

We searched the MEDLINE, CINAHL, and Cochrane Library databases for articles published between January 1995 and April 2011. The update of this clinical practice guideline is the result of reviewing a total of 54 clinical trials and systematic reviews on incentive spirometry. The following recommendations are made following the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) scoring system. 1: Incentive spirometry alone is not recommended for routine use in the preoperative and postoperative setting to prevent postoperative pulmonary complications. 2: It is recommended that incentive spirometry be used with deep breathing techniques, directed coughing, early mobilization, and optimal analgesia to prevent postoperative pulmonary complications. 3: It is suggested that deep breathing exercises provide the same benefit as incentive spirometry in the preoperative and postoperative setting to prevent postoperative pulmonary complications. 4: Routine use of incentive spirometry to prevent atelectasis in patients after upper-abdominal surgery is not recommended. 5: Routine use of incentive spirometry to prevent atelectasis after coronary artery bypass graft surgery is not recommended. 6: It is suggested that a volume-oriented device be selected as an incentive spirometry device.

Comparison of flow and volume incentive spirometry on pulmonary function and exercise tolerance in open abdominal surgery – A randomized clinical trial

“…Postoperative pulmonary complications (PPCs) following abdominal surgery are frequent and are responsible for increased morbidity and mortality as well as length of hospital stay and health-related cost of care [2,3]. Upper abdominal surgical procedures are associated with a higher risk of complications more frequently than are lower abdominal surgeries [4,5]. The reported risk rates of postoperative pulmonary complications in upper abdominal surgery range from 17% to 88% [6].…”

A Real-World Evidence Study Assessing the Impact of Adding the Aerobika Oscillating Positive Expiratory Pressure Device to Standard of Care Upon Healthcare Resource Utilization and Costs in Post-Operative Patients

“…Office visits and care provided by primary care physicians and other physicians outside of the hospital setting are not captured in CDM and, therefore, our findings reflect the hospital setting only. Additionally, because CDM is an open database covering hospitals from 46 states [21]. Despite these limitations, the CDM hospital database is well-suited for this analysis of the use of the Aerobika OPEP device in the postoperative care setting.…”

Airflow limitation severity and post‐operative pulmonary complications following extra‐pulmonary surgery in COPD patients

“…During the perioperative period, we performed a lung-expansion manoeuvre with incentive spirometry in all patients 19 and we encouraged deep inspiration, active coughing and sputum expectoration. Bronchodilator use was defined as use of an inhaled long-acting bronchodilator or short-acting bronchodilator during the perioperative period.…”