Randomized controlled trial of physiotherapy for postoperative pulmonary complications

Abstract

A prospective randomized controlled trial was conducted in patients undergoing elective cholecystectomy to assess the value of routine chest physiotherapy. One hundred and two patients entered the study: 47 patients developed no pulmonary complications, 29 had pulmonary atelectasis and a further 26 developed chest infection. The pattern of changes in anerial oxygen tension in the period after operation supponed the Hiniral allocation of the patients. Of 51 patients not receiving physiotherapy, 11 developed atelectasis and 19 chest infection. Of 51 treated patients, 18 developed atelectasis and seven chest infection. Routine prophylactic postoperative chest physiotherapy decreased significantly the frequency of chest infection (P< 0.02). © 1983 The Macmillan Press Ltd.