Non-invasive ventilation for treatment of postoperative respiratory failure after oesophagectomy.

Background: The aim of this case-control study was to compare the efficacy of non-invasive positive pressure ventilation (NPPV) with that of conventional treatment in patients who develop postoperative acute respiratory failure (ARF) after oesophagectomy.

Methods: Thirty-six consecutive patients with ARF treated by NPPV were matched for diagnosis, age within 5 years, sex, preoperative radiochemotherapy and Charlson co-morbidity index with 36 patients who received conventional treatment (control group).

Results: NPPV was associated with a lower reintubation rate (nine versus 23 patients; P = 0.