Anesthesia & Clinical Research
Open Access

Abstract

EZ - PAP in the Postoperative Period: A Pilot Study

Henry Clinton Talley, Kristin Twiss, Sarah Wilkinson, Elizabeth Buiocchi, Gayle Lourens, Jane Motz, Rhonda Bueche and William Peterson

Induction of general anesthesia impairs gas exchange in the lungs, persists postoperatively, and may contribute to significant postoperative morbidity and health care cost. Laparoscopic surgery has been associated with an increased incidence of ventilatory complications. Multiple factors, including cardiac and respiratory comorbidities, surgical procedure and incision site, and body habitus contribute to these risks. The purpose of this study is to compare the effect of EZ PAP (a noninvasive positive airway pressure device) versus passive oxygen delivery via nasal cannula (conventional postoperative care) on postoperative ventilator status in patients scheduled to undergo laparoscopic surgery. A theoretical framework for ventilatory status with an emphasis on assessment of the patient with potential postoperative gas exchange impairment guided this study. Patients with body mass index (BMI) ≥ 35 having non-emergent laparoscopic abdominal surgery were recruited and randomly assigned to either the EZ PAP or the control group. Noninvasive pulse oximetry, capnography, oxygen liter flow, EZ PAP pressure, vital signs, and post operative opioids use were recorded at baseline, initiation of EZ PAP, 1 hour, 2 hours and 4 hours postoperatively.