Pilot Study on the Influence of Incentive Spirometry on Percutaneous Image-Guided Intra-Abdominal Drainage Catheter Pressure: A Potential Method to Enhance Drainage

Background: To report the evaluation of incentive spirometry (IS)-induced pressure changes in intra-abdominal drainage catheters and consider its use for maintaining catheter patency and enhancing drainage. Methods: Prospective study of patients with indwelling intra-abdominal drainage catheters for abdominal fluid collections who had their intra-abdominal pressures measured while performing incentive spirometry. Patients were instructed in the use of an incentive spirometer. Within a week after initial drainage, pressure changes with IS were evaluated three times at 1500 cc and three times at maximum inspiratory effort. Intra-abdominal pressure (IAP) was measured using a pressure monitor connected to the drainage catheter. Results: Twenty patients (men, 12; women, 8). Fluid collection locations were pelvis, Right-upper quadrant (RUQ), Left-upper quadrant (LUQ), Left-lower quadrant (LLQ), and Right-lower quadrant (RLQ). A total of 16 of 20 patients showed an elevation of IAP with IS. At 1500 cc, the pressure increased by an average of 41.24 mmH₂O. At maximal inspiratory effort, the pressure increased by an average of 48.26 mmH₂O. Pressure increase was greater in upper abdomen catheters. Four patients with lower abdominal and pelvic collections showed minimal pressure changes with IS. Conclusion: IS increases IAP and fluid flow through abdominal drainage catheters. Future studies are warranted to determine whether the use of IS enhances catheter performance and facilitates drainage via its effect on IAP.