PERIOPERATIVE NONINVASIVE VENTILATION

Background and Aim: Noninvasive mask ventilation is in some cases of c hronic respiratory failure the treatment oft choice. It is also used i n cases of acute respiratory failure. We report about perioperative ap plication of noninvasive mask ventilation. Patients and Methods: We tr eated 25 patients with respiratory failure pre- and/or postoperative w ith noninvasive mask ventilation. Results: The success rate in all pat ients was 68%, but it was very different in respect to the varying cau ses of respiratory failure. Conclusion: With noninvasive mask ventilat ion it is possible to avoid in some patients with acute postoperative respiratory failure complications who are referred to intubation. In p atients with postoperative decompensation of chronic respiratory failu re postoperative treatment becomes easier, in extraordinary cases the method makes surgery possible.