Our Summary

This research study was conducted to investigate the impact of different interventions during and after chest surgeries in reducing the likelihood of atelectasis, a condition where the lungs partially collapse. For this study, the researchers searched several English and Chinese databases for relevant clinical trials that have been published up to March 2021.

The interventions considered in these trials included changes in the dosage of general anesthesia, use of a technique known as continuous positive end expiratory pressure (PEEP), non-invasive pressure support ventilation, and physical therapy. These interventions were used in patients who underwent different types of chest surgeries, such as lung removal, sternum surgery, and lung cancer surgery.

From the search, the researchers selected 5 studies for detailed analysis, covering a total of 375 patients in the control group (who did not receive the interventions) and 268 patients in the treatment group (who received the interventions).

The analysis revealed that the use of PEEP during mechanical ventilation significantly reduced the incidence of atelectasis after surgery. In simpler terms, patients who received this intervention were less likely to experience a partial collapse of their lungs after surgery.

The study concludes that these interventions during and after surgery are more effective in preventing complications like atelectasis.

FAQs

  1. What was the purpose of the research study on thoracic surgery?
  2. What interventions were considered in the clinical trials to reduce the likelihood of atelectasis after chest surgeries?
  3. What was the significant finding of the study on the impact of interventions during and after chest surgeries?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about thoracic surgery is to follow post-operative instructions carefully, including deep breathing exercises and walking to prevent atelectasis and other complications. It is important to communicate any breathing difficulties or changes in symptoms to your healthcare provider promptly.

Suitable For

Patients who undergo thoracic surgery, such as lung removal, sternum surgery, or lung cancer surgery, are typically recommended for interventions aimed at reducing the likelihood of atelectasis. These interventions may include changes in the dosage of general anesthesia, the use of techniques like continuous positive end expiratory pressure (PEEP), non-invasive pressure support ventilation, and physical therapy. These interventions have been shown to be effective in reducing the incidence of atelectasis and improving post-operative outcomes in patients undergoing thoracic surgery.

Timeline

Timeline of a patient’s experience before and after thoracic surgery:

Before surgery:

  1. Patient undergoes pre-operative evaluation and testing to assess their overall health and readiness for surgery.
  2. Patient may be instructed to stop certain medications or dietary supplements prior to surgery.
  3. Patient meets with their surgical team to discuss the procedure, risks, and potential outcomes.
  4. Patient may undergo pre-operative physical therapy to improve lung function and overall strength.
  5. Patient is admitted to the hospital on the day of surgery.

During surgery:

  1. Patient is given general anesthesia and undergoes the thoracic surgery.
  2. Surgical team monitors the patient’s vital signs and lung function throughout the procedure.
  3. Specific interventions, such as changes in anesthesia dosage or the use of PEEP, may be implemented to prevent complications like atelectasis.

After surgery:

  1. Patient is transferred to the recovery room and monitored closely for any immediate complications.
  2. Patient is encouraged to perform deep breathing exercises and coughing to prevent atelectasis.
  3. Physical therapy may be initiated to help the patient regain strength and mobility.
  4. Patient is discharged from the hospital once their condition is stable and they are able to care for themselves at home.
  5. Follow-up appointments with the surgical team are scheduled to monitor the patient’s recovery and address any concerns.

What to Ask Your Doctor

Questions a patient should ask their doctor about thoracic surgery based on this research study may include:

  1. What interventions will be used during and after my chest surgery to reduce the likelihood of atelectasis?
  2. Will I receive changes in the dosage of general anesthesia, continuous positive end expiratory pressure (PEEP), non-invasive pressure support ventilation, and physical therapy as part of my treatment plan?
  3. How will these interventions specifically help in preventing complications like atelectasis after surgery?
  4. Can you explain the potential benefits and risks of each intervention in detail?
  5. Are there any alternative interventions or treatments available that could also be effective in reducing the risk of atelectasis?
  6. How will the success of these interventions be monitored and evaluated during my recovery process?
  7. What is the expected recovery timeline and outcome for patients who receive these interventions compared to those who do not?
  8. Are there any specific lifestyle changes or precautions I should take post-surgery to further reduce the risk of atelectasis?
  9. Will I have access to a specialized respiratory therapist or physiotherapist to assist with breathing exercises and physical therapy post-surgery?
  10. How can I best prepare myself mentally and physically for the surgery and recovery process, considering the importance of preventing complications like atelectasis?

Reference

Authors: Zhao Y, Zheng R, Xiang W, Ning D, Li Z. Journal: Ann Palliat Med. 2021 Oct;10(10):10726-10734. doi: 10.21037/apm-21-2441. PMID: 34763434