Effects of Positive End-Expiratory Pressure on the Risk of Postoperative Pulmonary Complications in Patients Undergoing Elective Craniotomy

摘要

BACKGROUND: Intraoperative use of positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) has a protective effect in patients with acute lung injury and is recommended during anesthesia to minimize postoperative pulmonary complications. However, high levels of pressure might also cause harm to the lung because of overdistension. This retrospective study was designed to compare the effect of low and high levels of PEEP on the risk of postoperative pulmonary complications in patients with normal lung function who were undergoing an elective craniotomy.