title: [The effect of surgical incisions on ventilatory function].
abstract: Normal surveillance was extended to include respiratory function tests (Vital capacity, FEV1, Maximum Breathing Capacity) on 40 post-operative patients. The reduction relative to pre-operative values on the 1st day after operation was of the order of 60 p. 100 for high abdominal incisions, 35 p. 100 for low abdominal incisions and 15 p. 100 for non abdominal incisions. A return to preoperative values was obtained on the 15th, the 6th and the 4th post-operative days respectively. These changes are found to be well correlated to the limitation of diaphragmatic movement in high incisions. As a result, there is a hypoventilation of the lower lobes of the lungs and a shunt effect which lead to hypoxaemia. The reduction in respiratory function in those subjects without an abdominal incision demonstrated that other factors, particularly the influence of a general anaesthesia, need to be taken into account. Numerous clinical observations show that a reduction in respiratory volumes and capacities do not spare the young subjects and may be dramatic in certain cases. These indicate that a daily assessment of respiratory function at the bedside may provide a simple means for early recognition of intercurrent complications.
mesh_terms: D000005:Abdomen / Q000601:surgery; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D005541:Forced Expiratory Volume; D006801:Humans; D008176:Lung Volume Measurements; D008297:Male; D008451:Maximal Voluntary Ventilation; D008875:Middle Aged; D011184:Postoperative Period; D012119:Respiration; D013514:Surgical Procedures, Operative; D013997:Time Factors
vernacular_title: Retentissement des incisions chirurgicales sur la fonction ventilatoire.