Respiratory training reduces postoperative pulmonary complications in elderly gynecological patients undergoing general anesthesia.

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the effects of respiratory training in reducing postoperative pulmonary complications (PPCs) in elderly gynecological patients undergoing general anesthesia.

Methods: A total of 240 elderly gynecological patients who underwent surgery under general anesthesia were included. Among them, 120 patients received standard postoperative care (control group), while the other 120 received additional respiratory training (research group). The incidence of PPCs, length of hospital stay, treatment costs, pulmonary function parameters, arterial blood gas indices, mean arterial pressure (MAP), and respiratory rate (RR) were compared between the two groups. Risk factors associated with PPCs were also identified through univariate and binary logistic regression analyses.

Results: The research group had a significantly lower overall incidence of PPCs, shorter hospital stays, and reduced treatment costs compared to the control group (all P < 0.05). Postoperative pulmonary function was better preserved, and arterial blood gas parameters improved more markedly in the research group (both P < 0.05). Although MAP showed no significant change, RR was significantly lower (both P < 0.05). Regression analyses identified body mass index, and treatment modality as independent risk factors for PPCs.

Conclusions: Respiratory training significantly reduces the risk of postoperative pulmonary complications in elderly gynecological patients undergoing general anesthesia and contributes to better recovery outcomes.