Physiotherapy in the Management of Post-Operative Pulmonary Complications: A Critical Review of Literature

Abstract

Introduction : Postoperative pulmonary complications are the leading cause of postoperative morbidity and mortality and increase in the length of stay in hospital, medical consumption, and expenses. Physiotherapy treatment for patients with post-operative pulmonary complications consists of a variety of interventions which includes lung expansion exercises, secretion clearance techniques, limb exercises, progressive mobilisation programs, and other techniques. Aims&Objectives : To explore and present the evidence of the effectiveness of physiotherapy in the management of PPCs, the barriers for physiotherapy in critical care, the techniques and the physiological effects of Physiotherapy through a literature based review. Search Method : All relevant databases like AMED, CINAHL, PUBMED and Cochrane databases for systematic reviews were searched and evaluated to find the relevant researches on the topic. Conclusions : Non-invasive respiratory muscle aids are recommended in the treatment of atelectasis and pneumonia that occur after abdominal surgery.