Purpose
High pressure peaks might be a risk factor for the development of abdominal hernia. The course of abdominal pressure during extubation remains unclear. This preliminary study assessed the impact of two established extubation techniques.
Methods
Twenty-four consecutive patients suffering from abdominal wall hernia with the indication for surgical treatment were included. Twelve patients were extubated directly after the intravenous anaesthesia was stopped, before they had spontaneous breathing (deep extubation). The other 12 were extubated after they had spontaneous breathing (awake extubation). Intra-abdominal pressure (IAP) was measured via bladder catheter continuously.
Results
The highest value during extubation as well as the main increase in IAP was significantly lower in patients who underwent deep extubation ( p < 0.001).
Conclusions
Therefore, this extubation technique might improve the outcome of hernia repair.