Respiratory Prehabilitation for the Prevention of Postoperative Pulmonary Complications after Major Surgery

Abstract

Purpose of Review: Despite modern advances in perioperative medicine, postoperative pulmonary complications (PPCs) remain a significant problem. This paper reviews the current evidence for respiratory prehabilitation to prevent PPCs in major surgical populations. Recent Findings: A large multicentre international 2018 trial conducted within a modern perioperative framework confirmed previous findings that a physiotherapy-led education and breathing exercise training session delivered in preadmission clinics is a highly cost-effective method to significantly reduce PPC incidence. A 2020 meta-analysis of ten small clinical trials finds another mode of respiratory prehabilitation, inspiratory m..