The respiratory effect of mobilization immediately after abdominal surgery - a randomized controlled trial

Introduction: Early mobilization often in combination with breathing exercises is highly recommended after abdominal surgery. However, the isolated effect of early mobilization on respiratory function is still not evaluated. The overall aim was to evaluate the effects of immediate mobilization, within 2h (hours) after surgery on respiratory function in patients undergoing elective abdominal surgery. Material and methods: A total of 201 adult patients who underwent elective abdominal surgery, where the anesthetic time exceeded 2h, were randomized to: Mobilization - to sit in a chair + breathing exercises with PEP (n=68) Mobilization - to sit in a chair (n=69) Control - bedrest with maximum 30 degrees elevation (n=64) The interventions started within 2h of ended surgery and continued for a maximum of 6h. PaO2, SpO2 (primary outcomes) and PaCO2 were assessed every hour while breathing air. Information about pneumonia was retrieved from the patient´s medical record. Results: The premliminary analysis per protocol indicates that PaO2 as well as SpO2 increased over time (p Conclusion: Mobilization alone, or in combination with breathing exercises, within 2h after surgery, seems to improve PaO2 and SpO2 for patients who undergo elective abdominal surgery and to reduce the prevalence of pneumonia.