Rehabilitation care in patients subjected to surgical intervention for lower lung volume reduction

Abstract

Emphysema is a phenotype of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), defined as an abnormal and permanent expansion of the respiratory space distant from the terminal bronchioles and destruction of the alveolar walls. Emphysema manifests clinically with shortness of breath by restricting airflow, hyperinflation, and loss of gas exchange surfaces in the lungs (also known as increased physiologic dead space). Lung volume reduction surgery (LVRS), also called reduction pneumoplasty or bilateral pneumonectomy, is a surgical technique that may be helpful for some patients with advanced emphysema who have poor control of their disease despite maximum dose of medication. Pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) is an integral part of the preparation and recovery from surgical interventions. PR has a significant place and role in supporting the recovery and quality of life of patients undergoing LVRS. The purpose of the study is е to present the role of PR in LVRS, outline the components and describe the expected benefits.