Prophylactic Respiratory Physiotherapy May Improve Outcomes After Cardiac Surgery, Review Finds

The usefulness of respiratory physiotherapy for the prevention of pulmonary complications after cardiac surgery remains unproved, according to a new review of the evidence.

The review, published in the Cochrane Library, looked at 18 trials involving 1457 patients. Most of the trials were of low quality, and none showed any significant benefit of physiotherapy. The most labour-intensive intervention studied was continuous positive airway pressure, which had an average cost of €27 (£19; $32) per patient per day.

 The authors conclude that large randomised trials are needed with no intervention controls, clinically relevant end points, and reasonable follow up periods.

Source: https://www.bmj.com/content/327/7428/1379.short

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