Incentive spirometry for tracheostomy and laryngectomy patients

Area of Science:

• Pulmonary Medicine
• Surgical Oncology
• Respiratory Therapy

Background:

• Head and neck surgery patients face high risks of postoperative lung complications due to extensive resections and reconstructive procedures.
• Tracheostomy or laryngeal stoma is common in these patients, potentially complicating respiratory management.
• Atelectasis prevention is crucial in major surgeries, with incentive spirometry being a standard intervention.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of incentive spirometry in improving postoperative lung function in patients undergoing major head and neck surgery.
• To assess the feasibility of using incentive spirometry in patients with tracheostomy tubes.
• To determine the safety and impact of incentive spirometry on respiratory parameters in this specific patient population.

Main Methods:

• A prospective clinical study involving patients who underwent major head and neck surgery.
• Development and utilization of a custom adaptor enabling tracheostomized patients to use incentive spirometers.
• Monitoring of vital signs, arterial blood gases (specifically the A-a gradient), and pulmonary function tests.

Main Results:

• Patients demonstrated significant improvements in lung function parameters post-surgery with incentive spirometry use.
• The study reported no significant complications associated with the use of incentive spirometry in this cohort.
• The developed adaptor proved effective in facilitating spirometer use for patients with tracheostomies.

Conclusions:

• Incentive spirometry is a safe and effective method for enhancing postoperative lung function in head and neck surgery patients.
• The use of a specialized adaptor makes incentive spirometry accessible to patients with tracheostomies, broadening its application.
• These findings support the routine integration of incentive spirometry into postoperative care protocols for major head and neck surgery.