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Published on: March 27, 2018
Pulmonary function 4 months after coronary artery bypass graft surgery
E Westerdahl1, B Lindmark, I Bryngelsson
1Department of Physiotherapy and Thoracic Surgery, Orebro University Hospital, Orebro, Sweden. elisabeth.westerdahl@orebroll.se
Respiratory Medicine
|April 16, 2003
Summary
Coronary artery bypass graft surgery significantly impairs pulmonary function for at least four months post-operation. This persistent restrictive lung impairment after coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery is not explained by reported pain levels.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Pulmonology
- Thoracic Surgery
Background:
- Coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery is a common procedure.
- Pulmonary complications can affect recovery after CABG.
- Long-term effects of CABG on pulmonary function require further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess pulmonary function and pain levels at four months following CABG surgery.
- To determine the persistence of pulmonary impairment after CABG.
Main Methods:
- Pulmonary function tests were conducted pre-surgery, on postoperative day 4, and at 4 months post-surgery.
- Twenty-five male patients undergoing CABG were included in the study.
- Pain was assessed using a 10 cm visual analogue scale.
Main Results:
- Significant reductions in vital capacity, inspiratory capacity, forced expiratory volume in 1 s, peak expiratory flow rate, functional residual capacity, total lung capacity, and single-breath carbon monoxide diffusing capacity persisted at 4 months post-CABG.
- Residual volume and single-breath carbon monoxide diffusing capacity per litre of alveolar volume returned to preoperative levels.
- Low median pain scores (0.2 deep breath, 0.3 cough) were reported at 4 months post-surgery.
Conclusions:
- A significant restrictive pulmonary impairment persists for at least four months after CABG surgery.
- The persistent pulmonary impairment is not attributable to the low levels of reported pain.
- Further research is needed to understand the mechanisms behind this long-term pulmonary deficit.
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