Comparison of extubation times between protocolized versus automated weaning systems after major surgery

Abstract

Background. Prolonged mechanical ventilation is associated with adverse clinical outcomes for critically ill patients. Objective. To assess the the extubation times of protocolised versus automated weaning systems in patients after major surgery in intensive care unit. Design. Retrospective analysis.Measurements and results. We analyzed 70 patients with major abdominal or pelvic surgery. Patients that were used Draeger Evita2 Dura for weaning process named as the C (control) group (n=35) and patients that were used Draeger Evita2 XL Smartcare/PS named as the SC group (n=35). A physician evaluate the patient every 5 or 10 minutes in group C. Gender, age, weight, operation time, operation type, the total volume of intravenous infusion, bleeding, total dose of propofol, fentanyl citrate, rocuronium during surgery and extubation time were all recorded. All side effects included reintubation, bleeding, stroke, death, postoperative myocardial infarction were all recorded. The partial oxygen pressure (Pa02) and partial carbondioxide pressure (PaC02) were recorded before and after extubation.Results. Demographic data and operative data were similar between groups (p>0.05). The extubation time was similar between groups (SC group versus C group: 191,14±79,1 min versus 188,29±51,47 min, p=0,534. There was significant decrease in arterial PO2 and increase in arterial PCO2 after extubation in all groups. No side effects were observed. Conclusion. In conclusion, although we found no differences between SmartCare and control groups, the evaluating of the patient increased the workload in the control group. We think that SmartCare decreased the workload. Thus, it can be recommended for weaning process of patients after major surgery in intensive care unit.