Continuous positive airway pressure for treatment of respiratory complications after abdominal surgery: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Objective: We evaluated the potential benefit of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) to prevent postoperative pulmonary complications (PPCs), atelectasis, pneumonia, and intubation in patients undergoing major abdominal surgery.

Summary Background Data: PPCs are common during the postoperative period and may be associated with a high morbidity rate. Efficacy of CPAP to prevent PPCs occurrence is controversial.