Comparison of Flow and Volume Incentive Spirometry on Pulmonary Function and Exercise Tolerance in Open Abdominal...

Area of Science:

• Pulmonology
• Surgical Recovery
• Rehabilitation Medicine

Background:

• Abdominal surgeries often lead to decreased pulmonary function and capacity.
• Postoperative pulmonary complications affect up to 80% of patients undergoing upper abdominal surgery.
• These complications can impair recovery and increase morbidity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the impact of flow and volume incentive spirometry on pulmonary function.
• To evaluate the effect of these spirometry types on exercise tolerance in open abdominal surgery patients.

Main Methods:

• A randomized clinical trial involving 50 patients undergoing abdominal surgery.
• Patients were divided into flow or volume incentive spirometry groups.
• Pulmonary function (FVC, FEV1, PEFR) and exercise tolerance (Six-Minute Walk Test) were measured pre- and post-operatively.

Main Results:

• Pulmonary function significantly decreased in the early postoperative days but improved by day 4-5 with spirometry use.
• Both spirometry groups showed preserved pulmonary function post-surgery.
• Volume incentive spirometry led to a greater improvement in walking distance compared to flow incentive spirometry.

Conclusions:

• Flow and volume incentive spirometry are safe and effective interventions for patients post-abdominal surgery.
• These devices demonstrably improve both pulmonary function and exercise tolerance.
• Volume incentive spirometry may offer superior benefits for exercise capacity recovery.