Preoperative Breathing-Exercise Training Lowers Risk for Postoperative Pulmonary Complications

As many as 50% of patients who undergo upper abdominal surgery experience postoperative pulmonary complications (PPCs). In this multicenter randomized trial, researchers determined the effectiveness of a single preoperative physical therapy session in lowering risk for PPCs after upper abdominal surgery.

A total of 441 adults who were scheduled for elective upper abdominal surgery within 6 weeks were randomized to one of two groups. Patients in the control group received an information booklet that contained information about how to prevent PPCs with early ambulation and breathing exercises, including specific instructions. Patients in the intervention group received the information booklet and a 30-minute education and breathing-exercise tr…