Perioperative Prophylactic Positive Pressure Ventilation Reduces Postoperative Pulmonary Complications.

The incidence of postoperative pulmonary complications (PPCs) ranges from 5% to 33%. PPCs significantly prolong hospital stay, increase the economic burden, and are associated with postoperative mortality at 30 days and 1 year. The occurrence of PPCs is associated with multiple perioperative factors. A multimodal approach may provide better prevention against PPCs. We hypothesize that perioperative prophylactic positive pressure ventilation can reduce the incidence of PPCs in patients undergoing high-risk abdominal surgery.