The use of rheography for assessing the adequacy of prolonged artificial ventilation of the lungs in patients undergoing surgery of pulmonary tuberculosis

: When prolonged end-expired-air positive pressure ventilation (EEPPV) is performed to prevent possible respiratory complications after operation for pulmonary tuberculosis, thorough monitoring of the circulation system seems to be necessary since EEPPV affects the cardiovascular system. In this case rheography makes it possible to objectively assess the hemodynamics and phasic pattern of heart performance. An optimum regimen of EEPPV is that which ensures a maximum increase of the pulmonary ventilation in each zone, including the best blood oxygenation without negative action of EEPPV on circulation. EEPPV below 10 sm H2O is recommended for patients with disseminated and complicated tuberculosis.