Presently , the evidence does not support the use of IS for decreasing the incidence of PPCs following cardiac or upper abdominal surgery
OBJECTIVE To systematic ally review the evidence examining the use of incentive spirometry ( IS ) for the prevention of  postoperative pulmonary complications ( PPCs ) .
The effectiveness of incentive spirometry with physical therapy for high-risk patients after coronary artery bypass surgery.
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE The purpose of this study was to determine whether the addition of incentive spirometry ( IS ) to postoperative pulmonary physical therapy is more effective than physical therapy alone in reducing postoperative pulmonary complications in high-risk patients after coronary artery bypass grafting ( CABG ) . Patients were given the spirometer and instructed in its use , as often occurs in clinical setting s. SUBJECTS Patients with chronic airflow limitation following CABG ( N = 185 ) participated . METHODS Subjects were r and omly assigned to receive either postoperative pulmonary physical therapy ( breathing exercises , secretion removal , mobility ) or physical therapy combined with IS . RESULTS No difference was found between the two groups in atelectasis , spirometry , oxygen saturation , pulmonary infection , or hospital stay . CONCLUSION AND DISCUSSION Incentive spirometry combined with physical therapy is no more effective than postoperative physical therapy alone in reducing atelectasis for this population . Use of the spirometer , however , was not monitored , and although the study mimicked practice as it often occurs , the effectiveness of the spirometer can not be fully evaluated
Presently , the evidence does not support the use of IS for decreasing the incidence of PPCs following cardiac or upper abdominal surgery
OBJECTIVE To systematic ally review the evidence examining the use of incentive spirometry ( IS ) for the prevention of  postoperative pulmonary complications ( PPCs ) .