Adjustment of positive end-expiratory pressure to body mass index during mechanical ventilation in general anesthesia: BodyVent, a randomized controlled trial.

Background: In patients requiring general anesthesia, lung-protective ventilation can prevent postoperative pulmonary complications, which are associated with higher morbidity, mortality, and prolonged hospital stay. Application of positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) is one component of lung-protective ventilation. The correct strategy for setting adequate PEEP, however, remains controversial.