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Published on: June 5, 2019
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Changes in lung aeration and respiratory function after open abdominal surgery: A quantitative magnetic resonance
Lorenzo Ball1,2,3, Simon Corrado Serafini2, Anja Braune1
1Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, Pulmonary Engineering Group, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany.
Acta Anaesthesiologica Scandinavica
|July 6, 2022
Summary
Postoperative atelectasis after abdominal surgery can be detected using bedside measurements. Peripheral oxygen saturation (SpO2) and forced vital capacity (FVC) show acceptable accuracy in identifying this common respiratory complication.
Area of Science:
- Respiratory Medicine
- Radiology
- Surgical Complications
Background:
- Atelectasis is a frequent respiratory complication following open abdominal surgery.
- Peripheral oxygen saturation (SpO2) and forced vital capacity (FVC) are key bedside indicators of postoperative respiratory dysfunction.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify changes in lung aeration using MRI.
- To evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of SpO2 and FVC in detecting postoperative atelectasis.
Main Methods:
- Post-hoc analysis of a randomized trial involving pre- and postoperative lung MRI.
- Quantitative MRI signal intensity analysis to define poorly and non-aerated lung compartments.
- Atelectasis defined as non-aerated lung volume >2% of total lung volume.
Main Results:
- Patients with atelectasis had higher BMI and more preoperative poorly aerated lung volume.
- Atelectasis amount correlated significantly with both preoperative and postoperative SpO2 and FVC levels.
- Postoperative SpO2 ≤94% showed 74% sensitivity and 78% specificity; FVC ≤50% showed 56% sensitivity and 100% specificity for detecting atelectasis.
Conclusions:
- SpO2 and FVC correlate with the extent of postoperative non-aerated lung volume.
- These bedside measures demonstrate acceptable diagnostic accuracy for detecting postoperative atelectasis.
