Hypoxia and reduced vital capacity is commonly occurring after abdominal surgery. Positive expiratory pressure is one treatment suggested to improve lung function after surgery. We aim to test whether speaking improves postoperative oxygen saturation and ventilation after abdominal surgery. In a cross-over design, 50 subjects will be randomized to start with either positive expiratory pressure maneuvers, i.e. deep inspiration followed by expiration in a positive expiratory pressure device at 10-15 cm of water, or to start with reading a text loudly. Arterial blood gases will be taken at study start. Patients will be monitored using Noxturnal T3, Res Med for respiration and pulse oximetry, and online transcutaneous carbon dioxide partial pressure measurements (SenTec Digital monitoring systems). Main outcome measurements include oxygen saturation after speaking compared with positive expiratory pressure therapy.
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Oxygen saturation after speaking aloud
Timeframe: At day 1 or 2 after surgery