30% FiO2 during mechanical ventilation may not reduce postoperative atelectasis volume compared with 60% FiO2

We included 120 patients in our study and assigned them to 30% or 60% FiO2 during mechanical ventilation in a ratio of 1:1, they noted.

The main points of conclusion from this study are:

• One hundred thirteen patients completed the study, including 55 subjects in 30 % and 58 in 60% FiO2 groups.
• There was no difference in the percentage of postoperative atelectasis volume between the groups.
• They noted no significant difference in the atelectasis volume between the two groups.
• Also, the groups had no significant differences in the volumes of the over-aeration, normal-aeration, and poor-aeration regions.
• Between the two groups, there were no significant differences in the incidence of clinically considerable atelectasis or oxygenation index at the end of surgery.

They said using 30% FiO2 during mechanical ventilation does not reduce the postoperative atelectasis volume.

They also said It should be noted that the study has limitations.

Further reading:

Jiang, Z., Liu, S., Wang, L. et al. Effects of 30% vs 60% inspired oxygen fraction during mechanical ventilation on postoperative atelectasis: a randomised controlled trial. BMC Anesthesiol 23, 265 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12871-023-02226-6