UTILIZING PULMONARY ULTRASOUND TO ASSESS ATELECTASIS AND EFFECTIVENESS OF LUNG RECRUITMENT IN OBESE PATIENTS UNDERGOING LAPAROSCOPIC PROCEDURES: IMPLICATIONS FOR ATHLETE HEALTH MANAGEMENT

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the role of pulmonary ultrasound in assessing the effectiveness of lung recruitment maneuvers in obese athletes undergoing laparoscopic surgeries, focusing on postoperative atelectasis and respiratory function. Methods: This study involved 80 obese athletes scheduled for laparoscopic surgeries at a sports medicine facility from January to December 2023. Participants were randomly divided into a control group, which received standard postoperative care, and a treatment group, which underwent proactive lung recruitment maneuvers during surgery. The effectiveness of these interventions was assessed through pulmonary ultrasound, with additional measurements of blood gases (PaO2 and PaCO2) and hemodynamic parameters (mean arterial pressure [MAP] and heart rate [HR]) taken at baseline, after anesthesia induction, and postoperatively. Results: Initial assessments showed no significant differences between the two groups in terms of PaO2, PaCO2, MAP, and HR. Post-intervention results indicated a statistically significant improvement in PaO2 and a decrease in PaCO2 in the treatment group compared to the control group (P<0.05). Pulmonary ultrasound findings revealed a reduced incidence and severity of atelectasis in the treatment group at the final evaluation point (P<0.05). Conclusion: Pulmonary ultrasound is an effective tool for monitoring the success of lung recruitment maneuvers in reducing postoperative atelectasis among obese athletes undergoing laparoscopic surgeries. This approach enhances respiratory outcomes without significantly affecting hemodynamic stability, suggesting its potential utility in sports health management to ensure rapid recovery and return to training post-surgery.