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The use of a simple self-administered method of positive expiratory pressure (PEP) in chest physiotherapy after abdominal surgery
Campbell T, Ferguson N, McKinlay RGC
Physiotherapy 1986 Oct;72(10):498-500
clinical trial
4/10 [Eligibility criteria: No; Random allocation: Yes; Concealed allocation: No; Baseline comparability: Yes; Blind subjects: No; Blind therapists: No; Blind assessors: No; Adequate follow-up: No; Intention-to-treat analysis: No; Between-group comparisons: Yes; Point estimates and variability: Yes. Note: Eligibility criteria item does not contribute to total score] *This score has been confirmed*

Devices producing alteration in airway pressure to reduce the incidence of post-operative pulmonary complications have been popular in Europe, particularly Scandinavia, and in North America for routine ward use but have not been widely used in the United Kingdom. We have assessed a cheap and simple method of producing a positive expiratory pressure (PEP) as an adjunct to conventional physiotherapy after elective abdominal surgery. Seventy-one patients were randomised to receive either standard physiotherapy (35) or standard physiotherapy plus PEP (36). Nineteen patients developed post-operative pulmonary complications; 11 after standard physiotherapy, and eight after standard physiotherapy plus PEP. All were smokers although one was an ex-smoker.

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