The efficacy of perioperative pulmonary physical therapy for patients with respiratory compromise

Abstract

The clinical efficacy of perioperative physical therapy (PT) for patients undergoing pulmonary resection for lung cancer was investigated. The subjects were 227 patients who underwent pulmonary resection for lung cancer; PT was performed in 85 of them. The content of PT consisted of breathing exercises, systemic training, and coughing exercises. Postoperative respiratory complications were significantly decreased in the PT group. FEV1 and VC were significantly improved by PT. Especially, marked improvement was found in patients with obstructive disease. The improvement of respiratory function was correlated with the duration of PT. Initiating perioperative PT was beneficial for patients undergoing lung resection, in terms of reducing the occurrence of postoperative complications and improving respiratory function.