[Physiokinesitherapy in thoracic surgery]

The importance of physiokinesitherapy in the prevention and cure of postoperative complications is emphasised. Thoracic as well as general and other specialised surgery is shown to benefit from physiokinesitherapy exercises. The postoperative complications most likely to benefit from physiokinesitherapy are listed, the techniques most often used in thoracic cases are described and two routine pre- and postoperative programmes are outlined. In conclusion a more widespread systematic use of physiokinesitherapy after thoracic surgery is recommended.