Open Lung Protective Extubation Following General Anesthesia: the OLEXT-3 Trial

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are investigating the best extubation method to reduce lung complications after surgery. The study compares two techniques called "open lung" and "conventional" extubation in adults undergoing planned abdominal surgery with general anesthesia. The goal is to find out which method better keeps the lungs open and reduces breathing problems after surgery, as current evidence is unclear and imaging studies show benefits may be lost quickly after extubation. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two groups: one using the "open lung" extubation strategy, where patients are semi-sitting with 50% oxygen and pressure support ventilation while keeping positive pressure in the lungs; the other using the "conventional" method, where patients lie on their backs with 100% oxygen and manual or assisted breathing without positive pressure. The study follows a controlled, double-blind design across several Canadian hospitals. During the study, researchers will monitor how well the extubation protocols are followed, the rate of patient recruitment each week, and the completion of lung complication assessments at seven days after surgery. Additional evaluations include recovery quality, oxygen needs after surgery, hospital discharge outcomes, and health-related quality of life up to 90 days. The study is planned to last about nine months, with careful tracking of lung function and patient progress throughout.

Open Lung Protective Extubation Following General Anesthesia