Pulmonary physiotherapy effect on patients undergoing open cardiac surgery

Abstract

Backgrounds and Objectives - Respiratory complications after open heart surgeries are common problems which can lead to death if not properly managed. The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of pulmonary rehabilitation before and after surgery for reducing the risk of pulmonary complications after surgery also correlations of the six-minute walk test and respiratory following open heart surgery. Material and Methods - In a randomized clinical trial, 60 patients undergoing heart surgery were divided into two groups randomly (groups A and B). In group A it was performed physiotherapy before and after chest physiotherapy surgery, but on patients in group B were done only chest physiotherapy after surgery. Effects of preoperative pulmonary rehabilitation were compared between two groups, using spirometry and six-minute walk test. Results - Thirty nine of males (65%) and 21 females (35%) with a mean age of 8.10±9.56 was been analyzed. The mean difference in predicted forced vital capacity (CI95%: 1.3 to 8.7) and predicted peak flow indices (CI95%: 1.9 to 9.4) of spirometery indicator was significant, also evaluation of six-minute walk test showed, mean difference in walking distant (CI95%: 8.8 to 21.0) and mean oxyhemoglobin saturation (CI95%: 0.59 to 1.67) in group A was more than group B. Inverse correlation of heart rate with forced vital capacity showed that patients with more restriction had more heart rate during the walking test. Conclusion - Pulmonary rehabilitation program before surgery is recommended to reduce complications of heart surgery. Further evaluations are necessary in relation to the sensitivity and specificity of six-minute walk test parameters alone in the evaluation of respiratory performance.