Rehabilitation after anatomical resection of lung parenchyma with persistent air leakage

Abstract

Anatomical resection of the lung parenchyma is the treatment of choice at an early stage of lung cancer. The inevitable result of these operations is the loss of the respiratory surface causing varying degrees of respiratory dysfunction, depending on the extent of the procedure and the operated side. Therefore, from the first hours after the operation, patients should undergo comprehensive rehabilitation, which is fundamental to minimize the risk of complications and improve respiratory function. Due to the popularization of the concept of enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS), the importance of effective rehabilitation is increasing. One of the more common complications after anatomical resection of the lung parenchyma is persistent air leakage. There are no guidelines in the literature regarding rehabilitation in this group of patients. This paper describes the physiotherapy of patients after resection of the lung parenchyma complicated by persistent air leakage.