Intraoperative protective mechanical ventilation: what is new? - Critical Care Science (CCS)

Introduction

Postoperative pulmonary complications are an important cause of hospital morbidity and mortality and are known to be associated with longer hospital stays and higher long-term mortality rates.⁽⁾ Thus, it is imperative to recognize early risk factors for the development of postoperative pulmonary complications (PPC) and to focus on the adoption of measures to prevent them from occurring.⁽⁾ Among these measures, recent evidence points to some generally defined strategies, such as intraoperative protective mechanical ventilation, that may help minimize the occurrence of PPC. Other methods include the rational use of the fraction of inspired oxygen (FiO₂), tidal volume (Vt) and positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP).⁽⁾

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