Postoperative monitoring of respiratory function

In this pilot study we aim to evaluate the number of patients that develop respiratory dysfunction in the postoperative period, and whether respiratory dysfunction can be related to the development of postoperative complications.

In this pilot study we aim to determine the course of vital patient parameters in the postoperative period using Masimo remote monitoring, in particular the incidence and severity of postoperative hypoxemia and changes in respiratory rate.

Our hypothesis is that the incidence of hypoxemia or a respiratory rate ≤9 breaths per minute (brpm) or RR ≥15 brpm and RR ≥21 brpm above 20 breaths per minute in the postoperative period is significant in patients admitted to a general surgical ward, and adequate monitoring may prevent deterioration of the health condition of these patients as it allows early interventions.

Postoperative patients will be monitored for four days. Pulse oximetry and heart rate data will be converted to a per minute value. The respiratory rate date will be converted to a per 30 second value to be able accurately register respiratory depression or respiratory failure.

Postoperative patients after gastro-intestinal surgery (esophagus-, liver- and pancreas surgery) will be monitored the first 4 post-operative days on the surgical ward. Patient vital parameters, heart rate, pulse oxymetry, acoustic respiratory rate will be monitored by a remote wireless monitor, Radius 7 (Masimo) worn on an arm that is connected to an adhesive sensor in the patients’ neck and a probe on the index finger. Data is collected , downloaded and securely stored with a direct cable connection to the root on a daily basis. The data are collected on the root with a secured Bluetooth connection with the remote monitor. These data will be compared with the data that are retrieved from the electronic medical patient file.