[The place of routine immediate non-invasive ventilation following pulmonary resection in preventing pulmonary complications in patients with COPD (POPVNI Trial)].

Background: Respiratory complications are common following pulmonary resection and cause a significant mortality. The use of non-invasive ventilation (NIV) in acute respiratory insufficiency (ARI) is now well recognised. The prophylactic use of NIV in the absence of ARI and/or hypercapnia may be equally justified for the physiological benefits expected in the post-operative period following pulmonary surgery. The aim of our study therefore is to evaluate the effectiveness of NIV in the prevention of pulmonary complications in the immediate post-operative care of patients with moderate and severe COPD.

Methods: It will be a multicentre, prospective, randomised, parallel, open ended study of patients with moderate and severe COPD admitted to hospital for pulmonary resection.

Expected Results: To determine whether the setting up of NIV immediately post-operatively reduces the incidence of acute respiratory events (acute respiratory insufficiency) and to identify any sub-groups who receive greater benefit from NIV. This study should establish the place of NIV in the immediate post operative care following pulmonary resection.