Effects of cardiothoracic physiotherapy on intrapulmonary shunt in abdominal surgical patients

This study investigated the provision of additional evening physiotherapy on pulmonary complications and intrapulmonary shunt (Qs/Qt) after abdominal surgery. Thirty-one elderly patients received either daylight only or daylight plus evening physiotherapy for up to 48 hours. Physiotherapy included combinations of positioning, gravity assisted drainage, breathing exercises, manual techniques, coughing and airway suctioning. Measurements included Qs/Qt and post-operative pulmonary complications. While no significant difference in atelectasis was found, the post-operative Qs/Qt data averaged into six-hour time frames demonstrated significantly lower mean Qs/Qt for the daylight plus evening physiotherapy group between 18 and 24 hours post-surgery. Additional evening physiotherapy may reduce post-operative deterioration in gas exchange after major abdominal surgery.