[Prevention of postoperative pulmonary complications by preoperative training].
Postoperative pulmonary complications are the main cause of morbidity and mortality after surgery. A likely explanation is dysfunction of the respiratory muscles, in particular the diaphragm, which results in rapid, shallow breathing and ultimately-in closing of the airways, atelectasis and hypoxaemia. Breathing exercises in the perioperative period, despite a good rationale, were in general not found to be effective. A promising new approach is specific training of inspiratory muscles. A randomized clinical trial, published in this issue of the journal, found this to be effective in patients at increased risk for postoperative complications who underwent cardiac surgery.
Stichting Revalidatiecentrum Breda, Brabantlaan 1, 4817 JW Breda. a.vanthul@rcbreda.nl
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D001945:Breathing Exercises; D006801:Humans; D008171:Lung Diseases / Q000150:complications / Q000517:prevention & control*; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000517:prevention & control*; D011300:Preoperative Care / Q000379:methods*; D012129:Respiratory Function Tests; D012307:Risk Factors; D019616:Thoracic Surgical Procedures / Q000009:adverse effects*