Alleviating Respiratory Malaise in Post-bariatric Surgery Patients: A Review of Current Approaches

Abstract

Context: Impairment of respiratory functions is an important side effect following bariatric surgeries, which can fortunately be managed through various approaches. These impairments can significantly affect the quality of life of patients, necessitating effective management strategies. Evidence Acquisition: The databases examined for this narrative review were MEDLINE, Scopus, EMBASE, and Google Scholar. Only studies that included at least an abstract in English and employed clinical trial, cohort, or case-control methodologies were considered. Studies such as reviews, quasi-experimental, and cross-sectional designs lacking a control group were excluded from this review. Results: The review identified several effective modalities for improving respiratory functions in patients post-bariatric surgery. These include enhancing the administration of medication, chest physiotherapy, alveolar recruitment maneuvers, and supplemental oxygen therapy. These modalities can help ease patients’ respiratory malaise and facilitate faster recovery. Conclusions: We conclude that with the correct choice of modality, the quality of life of patients undergoing bariatric surgery can be greatly increased. Implementing these strategies can significantly improve respiratory functions and overall patient outcomes.