Early mobilization after anatomical lung resection with thoracotomy

Area of Science:

• Cardiothoracic Surgery
• Postoperative Care
• Rehabilitation Medicine

Background:

• Traditional postoperative care for thoracic surgery emphasized rest, potentially leading to complications like atelectasis and pneumonia.
• Current evidence on the impact of early postoperative mobilization on recovery and morbidity remains unclear.
• Thoracotomy, a common surgical incision, significantly impacts patients' daily activities and quality of life.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the safety and efficacy of early postoperative mobilization in patients undergoing thoracic surgery.
• To investigate the effects of early mobilization on reducing postoperative complications and length of hospital stay.
• To explore the potential benefits of early mobilization on patients' mental and physical recovery, including pain and anxiety reduction.

Main Methods:

• Review of literature and existing protocols for early mobilization in thoracic surgery departments.
• Analysis of various mobilization strategies, including walking distance and step count.
• Assessment of the timing and safety of initiating mobilization within the first 24 hours post-surgery.

Main Results:

• Early mobilization is increasingly supported in the literature as a safe and acceptable intervention.
• Mobilization protocols vary widely across departments regarding walking distance and step count.
• Initiating mobilization within the first 24 hours post-surgery is feasible and beneficial.

Conclusions:

• Early mobilization following thoracic surgery can significantly reduce postoperative complications and shorten hospital stays.
• Implementing standardized protocols for early mobilization is crucial for optimizing patient outcomes.
• Early mobilization may also alleviate anxiety and reduce pain intensity, contributing to better overall recovery.