Effect of Respiratory Physiotherapy in Preventing Pulmonary Complications in Post CABG: A Cross-Sectional Study at LUH Hyderabad, Pakistan

Abstract

Background: The efficacy of physiotherapy techniques used for patients following uncomplicated coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery is well documented. According to previous literature some of the evident techniques were adopted into practice by cardiothoracic nurses.

Aims and objectives: The aim of this study was to identify the current physiotherapy interventions used for following uncomplicated CABG surgery patients, and to establish the currently evidence-based practice in nursing staff for CABG surgery patients in cardiothoracic ward.

Methods: Using purposive sampling the structured questionnaire was distributed among 10 nurses working in the cardiac ward with response rate 100%.

Results: The results of the study revealed that most common postoperative pulmonary complications in cardiothoracic ward were pleural effusion (90%), pulmonary embolism (60%), pneumothorax (50%) and acute respiratory syndrome (40%). The routinely physiotherapy techniques which were used to prevent from postoperative pulmonary complications were chest physiotherapy (90%), splinting while cough (80%), and incentive spirometry (50%).

Conclusion: In conclusion nurses used physiotherapy techniques for treating patients following uncomplicated CABG patients such as chest physiotherapy, splinting while cough and incentive spirometry that are supported by the available evidence. This survey provides an insight into physical therapy practice cardiothoracic surgery nurses. Standardized guidelines may be required for nurses to practice better according to clinical care pathway.