Effect of Perioperative OPEP Therapy on Post-operative Pulmonary Complications

For patients undergoing colorectal surgery, post-operative pulmonary complications (PPCs) are common. PPCs are associated with increased morbidity and mortality, as well as prolonged hospital stays and healthcare costs. Pulmonary exercise in the pre-operative setting is thought to improve pulmonary fitness and decrease incidence of PPCs. Use of an oscillating positive expiratory pressure (OPEP) device sees patients improve their respiratory fitness through prescribed usage of a handheld instrument that exercises pulmonary muscles while breathing. Here, the investigators propose a pilot randomized-controlled trial (RCT) to evaluate the feasibility of a large scale study that would examine the effect of preoperative OPEP device exercises in preventing PPCs for patients undergoing elective colorectal surgery.