Impact of a supervised pulmonary rehabilitation program on postoperative dyspnea in patients undergoing cardiac surgery

Aim: This prospective study aimed to analyze the impact of postoperative in-hospital pulmonary rehabilitation on pulmonary outcomes in patients who underwent cardiovascular surgery. Material and Methods: This study was carried out on subjects who underwent cardiovascular surgery and were scheduled for a supervised pulmonary rehabilitation program following the cardiac surgery in our institute. The BORG scale of perceived exertion, a 100 points VAS scale for the severity of perceived dyspnea, and Respiratory Distress Assessment Instrument (RDAI) score were applied before and after completion of pulmonary rehabilitation program. Dyspnea, orthopnea, tachypnea, anxiety, cough and presence of sputum were also recorded prior to and subsequent to pulmonary rehabilitation. Blood gas analysis was also carried out before and after pulmonary rehabilitation. Results: BORG scale score (1.890.07 vs. 1.210.05, p=0.001), VAS scale scores for dyspnea (5.70.4 vs. 8.50.8, p<0.001), and RDAI scores (4.20.5 vs. 7.81.2, p<0.001) improved significantly following pulmonary rehabilitation. The prevalence of dyspnea and tachypnea also reduced following pulmonary rehabilitation. No significant change was observed in blood gas analysis results. Discussion: Application of a supervised pulmonary rehabilitation program including removal of bronchial secretions, postural drainage, percussion, vibration and aspiration and patients positioning improves self-reported dyspnea in patients who underwent cardiac surgery.