The effect of posture on late postoperative oxygenation.

Twelve patients had their arterial oxygen saturation measured pre-operatively and on days 1, 4 and 7 after laparotomy. Measurements were performed in the supine, sitting and standing positions on each day. Arterial oxygen saturation was significantly higher during sitting and standing on days 1 and 4 after operation compared with the supine position (p < 0.05). These results give further evidence for the benefits of patient mobilisation after major surgery.