Study of Enhanced Pulmonary Physiotherapy to Prevent Lung Complications After Laparoscopic Liver Surgery

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are studying the effects of enhanced perioperative pulmonary physiotherapy on reducing postoperative pulmonary complications PPCs after laparoscopic liver surgery. PPCs include respiratory infections, atelectasis, pleural effusion, bronchospasm, aspiration pneumonitis, pneumothorax, exacerbations of chronic lung conditions, and respiratory failure, which can cause significant health issues and costs. This multicenter, randomized controlled trial aims to evaluate whether a short, easy-to-integrate physiotherapy program can lower PPC rates compared to standard perioperative care. The study compares two groups one receiving enhanced pulmonary physiotherapy involving a preoperative session, an educational video, and daily exercises including deep breathing, coughing, pursed lip breathing, and positive expiratory pressure PEP therapy performed twice daily for 14 days 7 days before and 7 days after surgery. The control group receives standard perioperative breathing education based on Enhanced Recovery After Surgery ERAS protocols. Surgeons and researchers are blinded to group allocation to reduce bias. Participants will be assessed before surgery, at discharge, and 30 days postoperatively. Data collected include patient characteristics, surgical details, and postoperative outcomes such as PPC incidence within 14 days, length of hospital and ICU stays, antibiotic use, complications, mortality up to 90 days, and hospital costs. Compliance with the physiotherapy program will be monitored. The total participation duration covers preoperative preparation through 90 days of postoperative follow-up.

Prevention of Pulmonary Complications After Laparoscopic Liver Surgery