Early mobilization after anatomical lung resection with thoracotomy.

Abstract

In the past, patients who underwent thoracic surgery were advised to rest, recover, and save energy, avoiding engaging in tiring physical activity. Postoperative rest-centered management of patients following anatomical resection can cause pulmonary and cardiovascular complications. Inability to cough, not deep breathing, dysfunctional diaphragm, pain and lying down cause lung atelectasis, pneumonia, and respiratory failure. Early postoperative mobilization's effects on mental or physical recovery and morbidity rate are unclear. Although advanced technological developments, thoracotomy is still the main incision for thoracic surgery. Lung resection and thoracotomy reduce the quality of patients' daily ambulatory activities. The exercise was shown to have anti-inflammatory effects. Anxiety, fear, and pain activate the same brain regions. Postoperative early mobilization could reduce anxiety and help to reduce the intensity of pain. Many different procedures that stop bed rest, start mobilization, and the walking distance or number of steps during postoperative the first mobilization are applied in the departments of thoracic surgery. How many meters the patient can walk and how many steps he/she needs to take are variable. Protocols to facilitate and enforce early mobilization would be beneficial. Early mobilization can reduce the rate of postoperative complications and length of hospital. Early mobilization as soon as possible within the first 24 h is supported as safe and acceptable in literature.