PT - JOURNAL ARTICLE AU - Adam E M Eltorai AU - Ashley L Szabo AU - Valentin Antoci, Jr AU - Corey E Ventetuolo AU - Jack A Elias AU - Alan H Daniels AU - Dean R Hess TI - Clinical Effectiveness of Incentive Spirometry for the Prevention of Postoperative Pulmonary Complications AID - 10.4187/respcare.05679 DP - 2018 Mar 01 TA - Respiratory Care PG - 347--352 VI - 63 IP - 3 4099 - http://rc.rcjournal.com/content/63/3/347.short 4100 - http://rc.rcjournal.com/content/63/3/347.full AB - Incentive spirometry (IS) is commonly prescribed to reduce pulmonary complications, despite limited evidence to support its benefits and a lack of consensus on optimal protocols for its use. Although numerous studies and meta-analyses have examined the effects of IS on patient outcomes, there is no clear evidence establishing its benefit to prevent postoperative pulmonary complications. Clinical practice guidelines advise against the routine use of IS in postoperative care. Until evidence of benefit from well-designed clinical trials becomes available, the routine use of IS in postoperative care is not supported by high levels of evidence.