[Physiotherapy in patients after lung parenchyma resection]

Pneumonol Alergol Pol. 2014;82(1):46-54. doi: 10.5603/PiAP.2014.0008.
[Article in Polish]

Abstract

Lung parenchyma resection is the treatment of choice for early-stage lung cancer. The surgery involves the loss of respiratory surface and consequently leads to reduction in exercise capacity. Proper rehabilitation is essential for restoring the function and good performance of the respiratory system. Rehabilitation should be an integral part of surgical treatment. It should be implemented early and maintained until full restoration of function and fitness. The paper discusses the physiotherapeutic procedure in patients after lung parenchyma resection. Under current guidelines, the recommended physiotherapeutic approach has been described as a multi-stage process. A preoperative exercise program can prepare the patient better for surgery and reduce the risk of some postoperative complications. Since there is a tendency to shorten the hospital stay, guidelines in preparation for surgery have been developed in the form of leaflets given to patients. In specifically described perioperative treatment we can see the physiotherapeutic procedures that the patient, after lung parenchyma resection, may undergo. Physiotherapy protocol was documented using a proposed patient's card that described the basic treatment and included additional space for comments, in case of complications etc. Post-hospital rehabilitation, described in accordance with current guidelines, complements the treatment after surgery as a whole. To achieve the goals of rehabilitation a team of closely cooperating specialists must emerge. It should include physicians, physiotherapists, nurses, psychologists and occupational therapists. Family support plays a significant role as well. Proper education for patients and informing them about the purposefulness of the treatment are very significant factors. Further analysis allowed the creation of an algorithm for physiotherapeutic care in patients without complications after lung cancer surgery.

Publication types

  • English Abstract
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Humans
  • Lung Neoplasms / rehabilitation*
  • Lung Neoplasms / surgery
  • Patient Care Team / organization & administration
  • Physical Therapy Modalities*
  • Postoperative Care / methods*
  • Preoperative Care / methods