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Hi karlamiranda,The incentive spirometer is a device that encourages slow, deep breaths--which in turn help to keep your lung bases open.Patients who have had tummy tucks may prefer to take shallow instead of deep breaths because of pain. But only slow, deep breaths will recruit the lung bases to stay open--which will improve how much oxygen you receive.Hope this helps.Best,Christopher Pannucci, MDBoard Certified Plastic SurgeonPlastic Surgery NorthwestSpokane, Washington
The incentive spirometer is a great tool that is used to help the patient promote deep breathing after surgery. This can prevent pneumonia and other concerns such as pulmonary embolism. After abdominal surgery patients may take small, shallow breaths due to discomfort, positioning, or sleepiness from medication. The incentive spirometer helps a patient to exercise the lungs and promote healthy healing. Your surgeon will show you how it's used. Many feel the measurement is when you EXHALE into the device. It's actually measuring when you INHALE using the device. Another option to use in case an incentive spirometer is not provided is for patients to blow up balloons. Good luck with surgery!
Hi and welcome to our forum!If a long anesthetic is required, if there is a history of pulmonary disease, if you are a smoker, if there are "crackles" on chest examination, or if the anesthesiologist is conservative, a spirometer may be utilized to promote effective breathing in order prevent the development of atelectasis ( collapse of the lung's alveolar walls) which may later develop into pneumonia. It is a relatively inexpensive method to prevent a significant complication.Best wishes...
Hi and welcome to our forum! Preoperative hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) in high risk patients undergoing abdominoplasty appears to improve surgical outcomes. In a recent study of 356 patients (cited below), preoperative HBOT reduced the complication rate from 32% to 8%. Note: after...
Sometimes a portion of a stitch does not dissolve and creates a small abscess. It can cause redness, minor swelling in the direct area, and minor discomfort. Once the suture material is removed the area tends to heal well with minimal home care.
Your IBS should not have any impact on your surgical results. It is best for your comfort, especially during recovery that you speak with your surgeon and GI specialist for ways to control your IBS. The abdominal area will often feel tight after surgery which may persist for several weeks as...