Pulmonary Function and Laparotomy: Pulmonary function, spirometry, laparotomy, Restrictive lung diseases, Postoperative complications

After laparotomy in postoperative period, there are restrictive type of ventilatory changes. All these postoperative PFT decrease are more in male patients, in patients undergoing upper abdominal surgeries and in obese patients. All these changes are favorable for producing postoperative pulmonary complications. These changes are mainly due to altered pattern of ventilation in postoperative period. Since these postoperative pulmonary changes can be easily diagnosed by spirometer, all patients undergoing laparotomy should undergo preoperative and postoperative spirometry. So that patients at high risk of developing postoperative pulmonary complications can be diagnosed at an early stage. Some studies have also shown that interventions like preoperative and postoperative physiotherapy, deep breathing exercises and incentive spirometry can reduce incidence of postoperative pulmonary complications so these interventions should be advised to all patients undergoing laparotomy. These simple and inexpensive procedures can make a significant difference in patient’s outcome after laparotomy. This will definitely reduce mortality and morbidity after laparotomy and will giv