The effects of a self-training physiotherapy program on pulmonary functions, postoperative pulmonary complications and post-thoracotomy pain after lobectomy of patients with lung cancer

Abstract

[Purpose] The aim of this study was to examine the effects of a self-training physiotherapy program (STPP) on the pulmonary functions, postoperative pulmonary complications (PPCs), and post-thoracotomy pain of patients who had undergone lobectomy due to lung cancer. [Subjects] STPP was performed for 4 weeks by 15 patients who had undergone lobectomy for lung cancer. [Methods] Forced expiratory volume for one second (FEV1) and forced vital capacity (FVC) was measured before surgery, 2 weeks after surgery, and 4 weeks after surgery. The occurrence of PPCs during the two-week hospitalization period was recorded. Post thoracotomy pain was measured 1 day after surgery, 2 weeks after surgery, and 4 weeks after surgery. [Results] FEV1 and FVC were significantly decreased at 2 weeks after surgery, as compared to before surgery, but had significantly increased at 4 weeks after surgery, as compared to 2 weeks after surgery. PPCs did not occur in any subject. Post-thoracotomy pain had significantly decreased at 4 weeks after surgery, as compared to 1 day after surgery. [Conclusion] STPP has positive effects on pulmonary functions after lobectomy for lung cancer, and prevented of PPCs. However, the alleviation of post-thoracotomy pain may be the result of natural amelioration rather than STPP.