Analysis of the impact of ERAS-based respiratory function training on older patients' ability to prevent pulmonary complications after abdominal surgery.

BACKGROUND

In China, as the population grows older, the number of elderly people who have died from respiratory problems has increased.

AIM

To investigate whether enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS)-based respiratory function training may help older patients who had abdominal surgery suffer fewer pulmonary problems, shorter hospital stays, and improved lung function.

METHODS

The data of 231 elderly individuals having abdominal surgery was retrospectively analyzed. Based on whether ERAS-based respiratory function training was provided, patients were divided into ERAS group ( = 112) and control group ( = 119). Deep vein thrombosis (DVT), pulmonary embolism (PE), and respiratory tract infection (RTI) were the primary outcome variables. Secondary outcome variables included the Borg score Scale, FEV1/FVC and postoperative hospital stay.

RESULTS

The percentage of 18.75% of ERAS group participants and 34.45% of control group participants, respectively, had respiratory infections ( = 0.007). None of the individuals experienced PE or DVT. The ERAS group's median postoperative hospital stay was 9.5 d (3-21 d) whereas the control groups was 11 d (4-18 d) ( = 0.028). The Borg score decreased on the 4 d following surgery in the ERAS group compared to the 2 d prior ( = 0.003). The incidence of RTIs was greater in the control group than in the ERAS group among patients who spent more than 2 d in the hospital before surgery ( = 0.029).

CONCLUSION

ERAS-based respiratory function training may reduce the risk of pulmonary complications in older individuals undergoing abdominal surgery.