Effects of Long Intubation Period on Respiratory Functions following Open Heart Surgery

The objective of the present study was to compare pre- and postoperative pulmonary function tests in adult patients who had intubation periods greater and less than 24 hours following elective open heart surgery. Group l consisted of 91 patients (18 females and 73 males) gr, whose intubation periods were more than 24 hours (mean: 8.1±18.6 hours); and group 2 75 patients (13 females and 62 males) who had intubation periods less than 24 hours (mean: 13.25±3.60 hours). The pulmonary function test measurements were obtained from a vitalograph before and after the operation (just before being discharged from the hospital), All patients underwent cardiopulmonary physiotherapy and a rehabilitation programme during their hospital stay. The patients were similar in height and weight. The duration of hospitalization of the patients who had a prolonged intubation period was 17.26±9.7 days, while that of the control group was 10.64±2.04 days (P