Breathe Easy: How Pre-Surgery Prep Can Prevent Complications
"Simple physiotherapy education could significantly reduce post-operative lung issues after abdominal surgery."
Undergoing upper abdominal surgery can trigger a cascade of physiological responses in your body, sometimes leading to postoperative pulmonary complications (PPCs). Factors like anesthesia, the duration of the surgery, and even post-operative pain can reduce lung function and increase the risk of infection. Put simply, it makes it harder to breathe and clear your lungs effectively.
Traditionally, pre-operative physiotherapy, involving assessment and education for at-risk patients, has been used for surgeries like cardiothoracic and upper abdominal procedures. The rise of prehabilitation has kept this concept alive, focusing on optimizing a patient's health before surgery to improve outcomes.
Now, new research sheds light on the power of a simple intervention: preoperative physiotherapy education. A recent trial investigated whether educating patients and providing breathing exercise training by physiotherapists in the weeks leading up to upper abdominal surgery could decrease the incidence of PPCs. The results might surprise you.
The Power of a Pre-Surgery Chat: How Physiotherapy Education Makes a Difference
The study, a randomized controlled trial, involved a single 30-minute session where adults undergoing elective major open upper abdominal surgery received education and breathing exercise coaching from a physiotherapist. This wasn't just any chat; it included:
- Information on the risk of PPCs.
- Individualized risk assessment.
- Education about the impact of surgery.
- Instructions on breathing exercises.
- Memory prompts to reinforce the techniques.
Breathe Easier: The Takeaway and What It Means For You
The results were striking: the incidence of PPCs was significantly lower in the group that received the preoperative physiotherapy education (12%) compared to the control group that only received the information booklet (27%). In real numbers, this means that for every 7 patients who receive this targeted education, one case of PPCs could be prevented.
While the study didn't find significant differences in other outcomes like mortality or length of hospital stay, the dramatic reduction in pulmonary complications highlights the value of patient education and targeted breathing exercises. However, the study also highlights that variances in therapist expertise can impact how well the approach can generalize.
If you're scheduled for upper abdominal surgery, talk to your doctor or care team about incorporating a preoperative physiotherapy session into your plan. A simple 30-minute session could make a significant difference in your recovery and help you breathe easier.