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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 9, 2026

Inspiratory Muscle Training as an Adjunct to the Treatment of Weaning Failure in Critically Ill Patients: A Practical Guide

Inspiratory Muscle Training as an Adjunct to the Treatment of Weaning Failure in Critically Ill Patients: A Practical Guide

Published on: January 30, 2026

Is incentive spirometry effective following thoracic surgery?

Paula Agostini¹, Rachel Calvert, Hariharan Subramanian

¹Department of Thoracic Surgery, Heart of England NHS Foundation Trust, Bordesley Green East, B9 5SS, Birmingham, UK.

Interactive Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery

|November 28, 2007

Summary

Incentive spirometry effectively measures lung function post-thoracic surgery. However, physiotherapy, with or without incentive spirometry, is crucial for reducing complications and improving lung recovery.

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Last Updated: Jul 9, 2026

Inspiratory Muscle Training as an Adjunct to the Treatment of Weaning Failure in Critically Ill Patients: A Practical Guide

Inspiratory Muscle Training as an Adjunct to the Treatment of Weaning Failure in Critically Ill Patients: A Practical Guide

Published on: January 30, 2026

Area of Science:

Thoracic Surgery
Respiratory Medicine
Evidence-Based Medicine

Background:

Post-thoracic surgery recovery often involves respiratory complications.
Assessing lung function and recovery is critical for patient outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

To evaluate the effectiveness of incentive spirometry in patients following thoracic surgery.
To determine if incentive spirometry improves lung function or reduces postoperative complications.

Main Methods:

A systematic review of best-evidence topics in thoracic surgery was conducted.
A comprehensive literature search identified 255 relevant papers, with seven selected for detailed analysis.
Data on study design, patient groups, outcomes, and results were tabulated.

Main Results:

Incentive spirometry serves as a reliable indicator of lung function and respiratory recovery post-surgery.
Physiotherapy, with or without incentive spirometry, demonstrably reduces postoperative complications and enhances lung function.
No evidence suggests incentive spirometry alone can replace or significantly enhance the benefits of physiotherapy.

Conclusions:

Incentive spirometry is a valuable tool for monitoring lung recovery after thoracic surgery.
While useful for assessment, incentive spirometry does not substitute for comprehensive physiotherapy.
Structured physiotherapy remains the cornerstone for optimizing patient recovery and preventing complications.