The morbidity and mortality associated with cardiac surgery is commonly a consequence of pulmonary complications. Improving lung function may reduce postoperative pulmonary complications. While the benefit of postoperative physical therapy interventions is fairly well documented, there is a paucity of evidence in relation to the impact of preoperative physical therapy on postoperative pulmonary complications and reduce hospital stays after cardiac surgery. Identifying patients who have a higher risk of developing postoperative pulmonary complications and improving lung function preoperatively has potential to reduce post operative complications.
Questions to consider:
- How realistic do you think it is to increase the physical fitness of patients requiring cardiac surgery preoperatively?
- What precautions would be necessary when implementing physical fitness programmes for patients requiring cardiac surgery?
- What are the advantages of undertaking systematic reviews in areas where there is limited evidence?
- What are the limitations of undertaking systematic reviews when there only a few studies are included and included studies are based on small samples?
Article for discussion:
Hulzebos EH, Smit Y, Helders PP, et al. (2012) Preoperative physical therapy for elective cardiac surgery patients. Cochrane Database Syst Rev;11:CD010118
EBN Commentary at: http://bit.ly/ZWKUri
Abstract of Article at: http://bit.ly/17CgC4M
The discussion will take place Wednesday, April 17 (14.00 UK time) to Friday, April 19 (16.00 Eastern Canadian time), 2013. Be sure to tweet your messages and include #ebnjc to be part of the discussion.