Maximal inspiratory diaphragmatic ultrasound predicts postoperative pulmonary complications after upper abdominal surgery.

BACKGROUND

Postoperative pulmonary complications (PPCs) after major upper abdominal surgery are an important cause of morbidity and mortality. However, existing preoperative risk models inadequately address perioperative factors. Although diaphragmatic ultrasonography offers real-time assessment of respiratory muscle function, its predictive utility for PPCs remains underexplored. This study aimed to evaluate the predictive value of diaphragmatic ultrasound parameters for PPCs and to identify the optimal index among them.

METHODS

This prospective observational cohort study included patients aged ≥ 50 years who underwent elective upper abdominal surgery under general anesthesia. Right-sided diaphragmatic ultrasound evaluations were performed on preoperative day 1 (PreD1) and on postoperative day 1 (POD1), and measured diaphragm thickening fraction (DTF) and diaphragmatic excursion (DE) during quiet, deep, and sniff breathing. Patients were followed up for 14 days after surgery to assess the incidence of PPCs. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis and multivariate logistic regression were used to evaluate predictive performance and adjust for confounders.

RESULTS

Among the 223 patients enrolled, 37 (16.6%) developed PPCs. In the entire cohort, all parameters of diaphragmatic ultrasound showed significant postoperative reductions on POD1 compared to preoperative values (P < 0.001). ​A composite index (post-RDS-DE), calculated as the sum of right DEs during deep breathing and sniff breathing on POD1, demonstrated a moderate predictive ability for PPCs (AUC = 0.680, 95% CI: 0.587-0.773). At a cutoff value of post-RDS-DE < 3.55 cm, the negative predictive value reached 90.6%. ​​After multivariable adjustment, post-RDS-DE < 3.55 cm remained an independent predictor of PPCs (adjusted OR = 2.547, 95% CI: 1.067-6.080; P = 0.035).​​ Integration of diaphragmatic ultrasound index (post-RDS-DE < 3.55 cm) with the ARISCAT significantly improved predictive performance (AUC = 0.751 with integrated model vs. 0.643 with ARISCAT alone; DeLong's P = 0.004).

CONCLUSIONS

Postoperative maximal inspiratory diaphragmatic ultrasound measurements during deep and sniff breathing (quantified by a composite index, the post-RDS-DE) effectively predict PPCs following upper abdominal surgery. Integration of post-RDS-DE with preoperative ARISCAT markedly enhances predictive accuracy, suggesting diaphragmatic ultrasonography as a bedside tool for perioperative respiratory risk assessment.