INCENTIVE SPIROMETRY FOR TRACHEOSTOMY AND LARYNGECTOMY PATIENTS

Sustained maximal inspiration (incentive spirometry) is used for the p revention and management of atelectasis in major abdominal and thoraci c surgery. Patients with head and neck surgery are predisposed to post operative disturbances in lung function after extensive surgical resec tion, immobilization, or significant chest wall deformity from various reconstructive procedures. The patient often requires tracheostomy or permanent laryngeal stoma. A prospective clinical study on patients w ith major head and neck surgery was conducted to evaluate the use of i ncentive spirometry to improve postoperative lung function. An adaptor was first designed to allow patients with tracheostomy tubes to use t he spirometers. Parameters studied include vital signs, arterial blood gases (A-a gradient), and pulmonary function test. Significant improv ement of lung function and lack of complication warrant the use of inc entive spirometry in postoperative head and neck surgery patients.