The incentive spirometer is a handheld medical device commonly used after surgical procedures to aid lung recovery. This simple apparatus encourages slow, deep breaths, acting as a lung exercise designed to restore and maintain full lung capacity. By providing a visual measure of the air volume inhaled, the spirometer gives a patient a tangible goal to work toward. The primary purpose of using this device is to expand the lungs and prevent respiratory complications following anesthesia and an operation.
The Role of the Incentive Spirometer in Post-Surgical Recovery
After a surgical procedure, general anesthesia and post-operative pain often cause breathing to become shallow and rapid. This pattern means that the smaller air sacs within the lungs, known as alveoli, do not fully inflate. When alveoli remain partially collapsed, the condition is called atelectasis, the most common respiratory complication following surgery.
The incentive spirometer helps to counteract this effect by forcing a sustained, deep inhalation. This action maximizes lung inflation, helping to “pop open” the collapsed air sacs. This reduces the accumulation of mucus and fluids, preventing serious conditions like post-operative pneumonia. Consistent deep breathing also assists in quickly clearing residual anesthesia and improving overall ventilation.
Proper Technique for Maximum Effectiveness
Using the incentive spirometer correctly is necessary for achieving the maximum therapeutic benefit. To begin, a patient should sit upright in a chair or on the edge of the bed to allow for optimal lung expansion. The device must be held upright, and the patient should first exhale normally before placing the mouthpiece tightly between the lips.
Next, inhale very slowly and deeply through the mouthpiece, aiming to raise the piston or indicator toward the target level set by the healthcare provider. Maintain the correct flow rate, often indicated by a separate marker kept between two arrows. Once the deepest possible breath is taken, hold the breath for at least three to five seconds to ensure the full expansion of the alveoli. Remove the mouthpiece, exhale slowly, and rest briefly before repeating the exercise. Healthcare providers typically recommend performing ten deep breaths every hour while awake.
Determining the Optimal Duration of Use
The optimal duration for using the incentive spirometer depends on the specific type of surgery and the patient’s overall recovery progression. For minor or laparoscopic surgeries, where lung function is minimally affected, usage may only be required for one to two weeks.
Surgeries involving the abdomen, such as a C-section or gallbladder removal, often necessitate a longer period of use, typically ranging from two to four weeks. This extended duration is due to pain and muscle guarding in the abdominal region, which restricts deep breathing and increases the risk of lung complications. The longest period of use is required after chest surgeries, including heart or lung procedures, where a four to eight-week commitment is often needed to manage the high risk of lung collapse.
Recognizing When Use Can Be Discontinued
The decision to stop using the incentive spirometer must be made in consultation with a doctor or physical therapist. Discontinuation is based on meeting several objective recovery milestones that signal the lungs have returned to a healthy function. A patient should be able to take deep breaths without experiencing significant pain or difficulty.
Other important signs include:
- The patient is fully mobile.
- The patient is no longer experiencing shortness of breath.
- The patient is consistently meeting the spirometer volume goal set by the care team.
- Stable oxygen levels are within the normal range.
Once these criteria are met and the healthcare provider gives clearance, the formal use of the device can be safely discontinued.