Physiotherapy staff time and number of treatment were taken from the Allied Health Information System (AHIS 1993 version 2.00 and cross-checked for accuracy with the treatment record sheets. Any discrepancies were clarified by the ward physiotherapist. Staff time was measured as individual patient attributable (IPA) time NAHCC1996). Length of stay was calculated from the first day admitted (which was the day of surgery for all subjects) to day of separation from the hospital. Type and day of use of antibiotics and analgesia were taken from the medication charts. Any medications prescribed by medical officers but not taken by the subjects were not recorded.All subjects received titrated general anaesthesia using propofol, rocuronium bromide,and midazolam. Number of days of supplemental oxygen and use of nasogastric tube were taken from the physiotherapy and nursing notes. Any complications, in addition to respiratory complication, were also documented on the APODS during the medical record audit.