Ostberg E, et al. - In this randomized controlled evaluator-blinded study, researchers tested the hypothesis that positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) alone would be sufficient to limit atelectasis formation during nonabdominal surgery. The primary outcome ie, atelectasis area as studied by computed tomography in a transverse scan near the diaphragm, at the end of surgery, before emergence was assessed in healthy patients who received either mechanical ventilation with PEEP 7 or 9 cm H₂O depending on body mass index or zero PEEP. No recruitment maneuvers were used. They found that adequate PEEP sufficiently minimized atelectasis in healthy lungs and maintained oxygenation during nonabdominal surgery. Routine recruitment maneuvers were recommended to be utilized only when clearly indicated.