[VENTILOP survey. Survey in peroperative mechanical ventilation]

Abstract

Introduction: Mechanical ventilation can initiate ventilator-associated lung injury and postoperative pulmonary complications. The aim of this study was to evaluate (1) how mechanical ventilation was comprehended by anaesthetists (physician and nurses) and (2) the need for educational programs.

Methods: A computing questionnary was sent by electronic-mail to the entire anaesthetist from Alsace region in France (297 physicians), and to a pool of 99 nurse anaesthetists. Mechanical ventilation during anaesthesia was considered as optimized when low tidal volume (6-8mL) of ideal body weight was associated with positive end expiratory pressure, FiO2 less than 50%, I/E adjustment and recruitment maneuvers.

Results: The participation rate was 50.5% (172 professionals). Only 2.3% of professionals used the five parameters for optimized ventilation. Majority of professionals considered that mechanical ventilation adjustment influenced the patients' postoperative outcome. Majority of the professionals asked for a specific educational program in the field of mechanical ventilation.

Discussion: Only 2.3% of professionals optimized mechanical ventilation during anaesthesia. Guidelines and specific educational programs in the field of mechanical ventilation are widely expected.

Keywords: Anaesthesia; Anesthésie; Ideal body weight; Manœuvres de recrutement; Mechanical ventilation; Optimized ventilation; Poids idéal théorique; Positive expiratory pressure; Pression expiratoire positive; Recruitment maneuvers; Ventilation mécanique; Ventilation protectrice.