The role of respiratory physiotherapy in the lung function of obese patients undergoing bariatric surgery. A review

Abstract

Introduction: Obesity, considered a new worldwide epidemic, is characterised by excess adipose tissue and contributes to a series of chronic diseases and increased mortality. Obesity associated to surgical procedure in these patients makes respiratory physiotherapy a must to recover lung function and prevent postoperative pulmonary complications. Aims: To assess the effects of respiratory physiotherapy on the lung function of obese patients undergoing weight loss surgery. Material and methods: We conducted a literature review October 2008-June 2009 of data which had been published over the last thirty years and which was available on the Medline, Pubmed ans Scielo databases. Conclusion: Pre- and postoperative respiratory physiotherapy is vital for patients undergoing weight loss surgery irrespective of technique used, as it can prevent pulmonary complications inherent in the surgical procedure and aid lung function recovery.Univ Fed Pernambuco, Programa Posgrad Associado Educ Fis, Recife, PE, BrazilUniv Sao Paulo, Fac Med, BR-05508 Sao Paulo, BrazilUniv Fed Sao Paulo UNIFESP, Sao Paulo, BrazilUniv Fed Paraiba UPE UFPB, Joao Pessoa, Paraiba, BrazilUniv Fed Pernambuco, Programa Posgrad Fisioterapia, Joao Pessoa, Paraiba, BrazilUniv Fed Sao Paulo UNIFESP, Sao Paulo, BrazilWeb of Scienc