Postoperative (PO) hypoventilation, atelectasis and hypoxemia after bariatric surgery are common and multifactorial, contributing to prolonged oxygen (O2) therapy after surgery and even at hospital discharge. Incentive spirometry (IS) is recommended postoperatively but its success in preventing postoperative atelectasis and hypoxemia (POH) heavily depends on patient compliance with IS effort and frequency. The investigators hypothesize that a focused education preoperatively on IS for POH and intensive monitoring of patient compliance with IS therapy in the early postoperative period shortens postoperative oxygen therapy, decreases POH episodes, and improves respiratory outcomes after bariatric surgery, compared to patients receiving standard of care.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
PREVENTION
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
60
University of Colorado Hospital
Aurora, Colorado, United States
Frequency of at least one episode of moderate/severe hypoxemic event
Time frame: During first post operative day
Duration of postoperative oxygen therapy
The duration of postoperative oxygen therapy will be evaluated from the arrival to the post-anesthesia care unit to successful discontinuation of oxygen therapy lasting greater than 2 hours.
Time frame: Up to 7 days after surgery
Presence of postoperative oxygen therapy and postoperative hypoxemic events
The development of postoperative hypoxemic events will be evaluated from the initiation of post-operative oxygen therapy through hospital discharge.
Time frame: Up to 7 days after surgery
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