Effects of respiratory physiotherapy oh post operativo lung recovery after heart surgery

Abstract

Cardiac surgery encompasses a range of medical procedures aimed at restoring
cardiac function and improving the quality of life for patients with heart disease.
Respiratory physical therapy stands out as an essential strategy in pulmonary
rehabilitation, not only for respiratory diseases but also during the postoperative period
following cardiac surgery. Patients undergoing these procedures often experience
reduced lung capacity, atelectasis, and other respiratory dysfunctions. The objective
of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of respiratory physical therapy techniques
in the pulmonary recovery process of patients who have undergone cardiac surgery.
This is a qualitative and descriptive study, specifically an integrative review. A total of
334 publications were identified in the databases consulted. Next, a screening phase
was conducted, during which 288 records were excluded based on criteria such as
duplication, title analysis, and unavailability of the full text, resulting in a significant
reduction in the initial number of studies. In the eligibility phase, 46 articles were
evaluated based on the previously defined descriptors. Of these, 39 were excluded for
failing to meet the inclusion criteria or for being duplicates, leaving, in the end, 7 studies
that met all established criteria and were included in the integrative review. This
process demonstrates the rigorous application of methodological criteria, ensuring
higher quality and scientific relevance for the selected studies. The studies showed
that respiratory physical therapy plays a fundamental role in the pulmonary recovery
of patients undergoing cardiac surgery, contributing significantly to the reduction of
postoperative complications, such as pneumonia, atelectasis, and respiratory failure.
Interventions such as early mobilization, inspiratory muscle training, and structured
physical therapy protocols proved decisive in improving pulmonary function, reducing
the duration of mechanical ventilation, and shortening the length of hospital stay,
underscoring the importance of early and continuous intervention by the physical
therapist in post-surgical care.