Summary

Pulmonary complications such as atelectasis and bronchopulmonary infections after surgery are important causes of mortality and morbidity. Chest physiotherapy techniques have been used to prevent and to treat postoperative pulmonary complications. Clearance of pulmonary secretions, chest expansion techniques and mobilization activities constitute preoperative and postoperative chest physiotherapy. The effectiveness of different therapy techniques were found similar in the majority of studies. Many studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of chest physiotherapy in high risk patients. Therefore, preoperative evaluation, information and training of these patients may be more beneficial to prevent postoperative pulmonary complications. Most studies in this area were of inadequate design and making it difficult to discuss the results with confidence. Randomized, controlled further studies should be taken to justify the effect of chest physiotherapy after surgery.  Turk J Phys Med Rehab 2006;52:123-8
Key Words: Surgery, chest physiotherapy, postoperative pulmonary complications

Summary

Pulmonary complications such as atelectasis and bronchopulmonary infections after surgery are important causes of mortality and morbidity. Chest physiotherapy techniques have been used to prevent and to treat postoperative pulmonary complications. Clearance of pulmonary secretions, chest expansion techniques and mobilization activities constitute preoperative and postoperative chest physiotherapy. The effectiveness of different therapy techniques were found similar in the majority of studies. Many studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of chest physiotherapy in high risk patients. Therefore, preoperative evaluation, information and training of these patients may be more beneficial to prevent postoperative pulmonary complications. Most studies in this area were of inadequate design and making it difficult to discuss the results with confidence. Randomized, controlled further studies should be taken to justify the effect of chest physiotherapy after surgery.  Turk J Phys Med Rehab 2006;52:123-8
Key Words: Surgery, chest physiotherapy, postoperative pulmonary complications

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