Maximal inspiratory volume and postoperative pulmonary complications.

The results of this study indicate that, in order to use any method of respiratory therapy intelligently and effectively in the postoperative period, it is imperative to know the preoperative maximal inspiratory volume of the patient and to measure the inspired volume during treatment. Only then can a physician determine if specific treatment is necessary at all, and if it is, whether or not incentive spirometry would be of greater benefit to the patient than intermittent positive pressure breathing therapy.