Non-invasive pressure support ventilation in major lung resection for high risk patients: does it matter?

Aims: Patients with severe reduction of pulmonary function have an increased operative risk for major lung resection. Little evidence is given for prophylactic treatment with non-invasive pressure support ventilation (NIPSV) in these high risk patients. Objective: Influence of NIPSV on mortality and morbidity of patients undergoing major lung resection was evaluated. In a prospective randomised single centre clinical trial patients were included if predictive postoperative FEV1 was between 0.9 and 1,3l. Patients and Methods: All patients were evaluated by perfusion-ventilation scan and exercise testing under max…