P2.16-42 The Use of a Smartphone Application Improves Postoperative Outcomes in Patients Undergoing Lung Cancer Resection

Abstract

For early stages of lung cancer, complete surgical resection with curative intent for patients who are surgical candidates remains the most effective treatment. However, thoracic surgery procedures are related to postoperative pulmonary complications which increase the morbidity and mortality. Preoperative pulmonary rehabilitation programs improve postoperative outcomes. This study aims to evaluate the role of a smartphone application to improve pulmonary rehabilitation in a group patients scheduled for lung cancer resection. A Smartphone application containing peri-operative medical advice (stop smoking, mouth health, early mobilization and pain control) and ten chest physical exercises (aerobic exercise, inspiratory muscle strength and secretion mobilization technique) was created. This prospective and no randomized study was developed between January 2017 and December 2018. All patients scheduled for surgery were asked to participate. A group of 68 patients used and interacted with the software before and after the surgery. The control group (114 patients) received classical information and education by the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. Clinical-pathological variables, incidence of postoperative pulmonary complications, duration of chest drainage, length of hospital stay and 30 days mortality rate were recorded and analyzed. Postoperative pulmonary complications were developed 17.6% in the intervention group and 33.3% in the control group (P=0.02). The length of hospital stay was shorter in the intervention group (median 3±4.09d vs. 5±6.87d P=0.001). No differences were found in duration of chest drainage or 30 day mortality compared with control group. This new technological resource created by thoracic surgeons demonstrates that preoperative rehabilitation program and patient education improve postoperative outcomes in patients undergoing lung cancer resection, decreasing the incidence of postoperative pulmonary complications and length of hospital stay.