Incentive spirometry for prevention of postoperative pulmonary complications in upper abdominal surgery

There is insufficient evidence on the effectiveness of incentive spirometry for prevention of postoperative pulmonary complications in upper abdominal surgery.

A Cochrane review included 12 studies with a total of 1 834 subjects. Data from only 1 160 patients could be included in the meta-analysis. Incentive spirometry versus no respiratory treatment: There was no statistically significant difference in the incidence of clinical complications (RR 0.50, 95% CI 0.30 to 1.18, I² = 49%; 4 studies, n = 152). Incentive spirometry versus deep breathing exercises (DBE): There was no statistically significant difference in respiratory failure (RR 0.67, 95% CI 0.04 to 10.50, I² = 38%; 2 studies, n = 194). Incentive spirometry versus other chest physiotherapy: There was no statistically significant differences in the risk of developing a pulmonary condition (RR 0.83, 95% CI 0.51 to 1.34, statistical heterogeneity I² = 71%; 2 studies, n = 946) or type of complication.

Comment: The quality of evidence is downgraded by study quality (unclear allocation concealment), by inconsistency (unexplained variability in results), and by imprecise results (few patients and wide confidence intervals).

Ədəbiyyat

1. do Nascimento Junior P, Módolo NS, Andrade S et al. Incentive spirometry for prevention of postoperative pulmonary complications in upper abdominal surgery. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2014;(2):CD006058.