Physiotherapy management in the case of thoracotomy for right lung decortication: A case study

Abstract

Thoracotomy is used to manage a variety of medical conditions, including lung cancer, pulmonary infections, and chest injuries. Decortication surgery is indicated in the case of a thickened pleural layer leading to atelectasis of the underlying lung parenchyma. It is done to prevent further restriction of the lung parenchyma. Atelectasis, pleural effusion, pneumonia, and consolidation following decortication are common complications of the surgery. Physiotherapy following decortication helps in preventing damage to the lungs and also helps in maintaining and regaining good lung function postsurgery. This is a right-sided lung decortication thoracotomy surgical procedure where physiotherapy interventions were given preoperatively and early postsurgical care was taken for adequate lung expansion and to reduce respiratory complications following it. Incentive spirometer (4 times/day) with breath hold technique (3 s.) along with conventional physiotherapy interventions such as chest mobility exercise, breathing exercises, breath control techniques, and early mobilization in the form of long sitting at the end of a bed, high sitting, chair sitting, standing, walking, and stair climbing were improved in chest expansion, functional activities, rating of perceived exertion level, and reduced pain level.