Respiratory muscle training with electronic devices in the postoperative period of hepatectomy: A randomized study

Abstract

BACKGROUND

Many studies have been developed with a focus on surgical techniques and drugs, but few that address the importance of rehabilitation in the pre and postoperative period, and the specific benefits for each surgical procedure or type of neoplasm, aiming to minimize respiratory complications in the postoperative period.

AIM

To compare the strength of the respiratory muscles in the pre and postoperative periods of hepatectomy by laparotomy and to verify the incidence of postoperative pulmonary complications among the groups studied.

METHODS

Prospective, randomized, clinical trial study that compared the inspiratory muscle training group (GTMI) with the control group (CG). After the collection of sociodemographic and clinical data, in both groups, preoperatively, on the first and fifth postoperative days, vital signs and pulmonary mechanics were evaluated and recorded. Albumin and bilirubin values were recorded for the albumin-bilirubin (ALBI) score. After randomization and allocation of participants, those in the CG underwent conventional physical therapy and those in the GTMI underwent conventional physical therapy plus inspiratory muscle, in both groups for five postoperative days.

RESULTS

Of 76 subjects met eligibility criteria. The collection of 41 participants was completed: 20 in the CG and 21 in the GTMI. The most frequent diagnosis was 41.5% with liver metastasis, followed by 26.8% with hepatocellular carcinoma. As for respiratory complications in the GTMI, there was no incidence. In the CG, there were three respiratory complications. Patients in the CG classified as ALBI score 3 presented, statistically, a higher energy value compared to patients classified as ALBI score 1 and 2 (P = 0.0187). Respiratory variables, measured preoperatively and on the first postoperative day, had a significant drop in both groups from the preoperative to the first postoperative day (P ≤ 0.0001). When comparing the preoperative period and the fifth postoperative day between the GTMI and the CG, the maximal inspiratory pressure variable in the GTMI was statistically significant (P = 0.0131).

CONCLUSION

All respiratory measures showed a reduction in the postoperative period. Respiratory muscle training using the Powerbreathe^® device increased maximal inspiratory pressure and this may have contributed to a shorter hospital stay and better clinical outcome.

Key Words: Breathing exercises; Physiotherapy; Postoperative care; Hepatectomy; Liver neoplasms

Core Tip: Randomized study to evaluate the importance of respiratory muscle training in the postoperative period of hapatectomy. All respiratory measures showed a reduction in the postoperative period. Respiratory muscle training using the Powerbreathe^® device increased maximal inspiratory pressure and this may have contributed to a shorter hospital stay and better clinical outcome.

INTRODUCTION

Liver neoplasms can have primary or secondary origins, among them, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the main and most frequent type of tumor (70% and 85% of cases); cholangiocarcinoma[1] and benign tumors (hemangiomas, adenomas and focal nodular hyperplasia). The most common metastases are secondary liver neoplasms: colorectal, stomach, breast, esophageal, lung, among others[2,3].

To assess the prognosis of these patients, the albumin-bilirubin (ALBI)[4] score is also used, which assesses liver function based on serum albumin and bilirubin values. It is considered an easy score to obtain, through an accessible blood test at patient admission, and has been shown to be useful for the assessment of survival[4,5].

Resection may be required in both benign and malignant liver lesions. Benign lesions are usually asymptomatic and their resection occurs only when they become symptomatic; adenomas, however, are at risk of malignancy and require excision even in the absence of symptoms[6].

Large liver resections should be performed when the lesions are larger, as there is an increase in progression-free survival[6].

With the surgical procedure, there may be postoperative pulmonary complications that are related to preoperative comorbidities (smoking, previous lung or heart disease, malnutrition, obesity) or surgical factors (procedure time, effects of anesthetic and sedative drugs extended)[7].

The reduction in functional residual capacity, forced vital capacity and partial pressure of oxygen in arterial blood[8] are characteristics of upper abdominal surgeries, resulting from inadequate lung insufflation and superficial breathing pattern. Diaphragmatic dysfunction is related to bed restriction and local pain[1,9]. The development of postoperative pulmonary complications is related to increased morbidity, duration of mechanical ventilation, length of hospital stay and, consequently, mortality[8,10].

Physiotherapeutic follow-up in the postoperative period is essential and extremely important[6,10] in order to minimize and/or avoid the incidence of pulmonary complications and consists of performing a kinetic-functional assessment using resources such as ventilometry and manovacuometry. Likewise, intervention, which can be performed with the objective of strengthening the respiratory muscles through electronic devices[10].

The objective of the present study was to evaluate and compare the strength of the respiratory muscles in the pre and postoperative periods of patients undergoing hepatectomy by laparotomy and to verify the incidence of postoperative pulmonary complications among the groups studied.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The present study was carried out at the Hospital de Clínicas, Faculty of Medical Sciences, State University of Campinas (HC-FCM-UNICAMP), São Paulo, Brazil. Data collection was carried out in the Gastrosurgery Ward and in the Adult Intensive Care Unit for a period of 16 mo, from 2018 to 2019.

This is a prospective, randomized, clinical trial, comparative study between two groups: inspiratory muscle training group (GTMI) and control group (CG).

Approved by the Research Ethics Committee of FCM-UNICAMP, Campinas, SP, having received authorization for data collection with Opinion: 2748781; CAAE: 90806218.7.0000.5404. Randomization was performed after the collection of all data and measured variables and was performed by the researcher through an electronic random draw available on the website https://www.random.org/. It was registered in the Brazilian Registry of Clinical Trials (REBEC), UTN No: U 1111-1236-4194, available at: http://ensaiosclinicos.gov.br/, and the similarity check of the Turnitin system was performed: State University of Campinas, Faculty of Medical Sciences library, October 5, 2020 Opinion No. 223/2020.

Inclusion criteria were patients over 18 years of age, of both genders, who underwent hepatectomy by laparotomy, extubated in the immediate postoperative period and who agreed and signed the Informed Consent Form.

Exclusion criteria were patients undergoing videolaparoscopy, those who did not cooperate with the proposed measures and exercises, patients with hemodynamic instability, and also those who used invasive ventilatory support 24 h after surgery.

The variables collected in the pre, first and fifth postoperative days were: Vital signs, clinical assessment and pulmonary mechanics through respiratory measurements: minute volume (MV in liters/min), tidal volume (CV in mL), Vital Capacity (V_T in liters/min) with the ventilometer device; Energy (joules), inspiratory flow (liters/min), volume (liters), power (watts), and pressure (cmH₂O) with the Powerbreathe^® device; Maximum inspiratory pressure (PIM in cmH₂O) and Maximum expiratory pressure (PEM in cmH₂O), with the manovacuometer device.

After the interview, data collection and preoperative respiratory measurements, the sequence of randomization numbers was verified, and their allocation (CG or GTMI) was noted.

In the preoperative period and on the fifth postoperative day in both groups, the value of serum albumin and bilirubin, collected routinely from patients, during hospitalization, was recorded for the ALBI score, classified as Grades 1, 2 and 3 as detailed in Figure 1.

Figure 1 Description of data collection. Conventional physiotherapy: Techniques for bronchial hygiene maneuvers, pulmonary re-expansion maneuvers, sitting, standing, and ambulation. CG: Control group; GTMI: Inspiratory muscle training group; TCLE: Free and informed consent form; Pre-op: Pre-operative; Post-op: Post-operative; MV: Minute volume; CV: Tidal volume; VC: Vital capacity; PIM: Maximum inspiratory pressure; PEM: Maximum expiratory pressure; TMI: Inspiratory muscle training.

The data obtained during the interview, anamnesis, electronic medical records and respiratory measurements were later entered into an electronic spreadsheet (Excel, Windows, 2013-United States) through double-checking.

For statistical analysis, the computer program used was The SAS System for Windows (Statistical Analysis System), version 9.4. SAS Institute Inc, 2002-2008, Cary, NC, United States, with a significance level adopted for the study of 5% for all tests.

For the comparison between the groups, the chi-square or Fisher's exact tests were used for categorical variables and the Mann-Whitney test for numerical variables. For the comparison between times and groups, analysis of variance for repeated measures was used. Data were transformed into ranks due to the absence of normal distribution.

The relationship between the preoperative variables and the preoperative score, as well as between the variables on the fifth postoperative day and the score on the fifth postoperative day, were verified using Spearman's correlation coefficient; checked in each group. The comparison between preoperative PIM and PEM with ideal PIM and PEM was performed using the Wilcoxon test.

RESULTS

A total of 76 subjects met the eligibility criteria for the study, and 70 participants were randomized and allocated toCCG (n = 36) and GTMI (n = 34). Considering both groups, a total of 20 individuals were excluded from the study (videolaparoscopy, chemoembolization and exploratory laparotomy, or without indication for surgical resection due to tumor extension).

There was loss to follow-up (n = 9) in both groups (six for refusing care - two in each group due to pain complaints in the surgical wound and one in each group due to excessive vomiting, one in each group due to a stay on invasive mechanical ventilation longer than 24 h and one death in the control postoperative period). Of the total sample, 41 individuals were studied, 20 of which were allocated to the CG and 21 to the GTMI.

There was no significant difference between the groups according to gender (P = 0.910), age (P = 0.140) and body mass index (BMI) (P = 0.140) (Table 1).

Table 1 Demographic and clinical data of the studied groups, n (%).

	Group
Variables	GTMI (n = 21)	CG (n = 20)	Total/average (n = 41)	P value
Feminine gender	7 (33.3)	7 (35.0)	14 (34.1)	0.91042
Male gender	14 (66.7)	13 (65.0)	27 (65.9)
Mean age (yr) (SD)	56.7 ± 13.1	49.3 ± 16.1	53.1 ± 14.9	0.14011
Mean BMI (SD)	28.3 ± 4.0	26.2 ± 6.2	27.3 ± 5.2	0.14041

¹Based on the Mann-Whitney test.

²Based on the χ² test.

GTMI: Inspiratory muscle training group; CG: Control group; BMI: Body mass index; SD: Standard deviation.

Table 2 describes the main diagnoses and antecedents presented. There was no statistically significant difference between the groups when intraoperative and postoperative complications were analyzed.

Table 2 Diagnosis and background of the studied groups, n (%).

	Group
Variables	GTMI (n = 21)	CG (n = 20)	Total (n = 41)	P value
Diagnostics
Liver metastasis	9 (42.9)	8 (40.0)	17 (41.5)
Hepatocellular carcinoma	8 (38.1)	3 (15.0)	11 (26.8)
Hepatic nodule	3 (14.3)	4 (20.0)	7 (17.1)
Cholangiocarcinoma	1 (4.8)	4 (20.0)	5 (12.2)
Hemangioma	0 (0.0)	1 (5.0)	1 (2.4)	-
Background
Hepatic cirrhosis
No	15 (71.4)	18 (90.0)	33 (80.5)
Yes	6 (28.6)	2 (10.0)	8 (19.5)	0.23792
Hepatitis C
No	17 (81.0)	18 (90.0)	35 (85.4)
Yes	4 (19.0)	2 (10.0)	6 (14.6)	0.66282
Previous neoplasm
No	10 (47.6)	8 (40.0)	18 (43.9)
Yes	11 (52.4)	12 (60.0)	23 (56.1)	0.62321
Chemotherapy
No	12 (57.1)	13 (65.0)	25 (61.0)
Yes	9 (42.9)	7 (35.0)	16 (39.0)	0.60621
Smoker/former smoker
No	15 (71.4)	18 (90.0)	33 (80.5)
Yes	6 (28.6)	2 (10.0)	8 (19.5)	0.23792

¹Based on the chi-square test.

²Based on Fisher's exact test.

GTMI: Inspiratory muscle training group; CG: Control group.

The length of hospital stays and complications in the postoperative period are described in Table 3. Patients in the GTMI had a shorter hospital stay when compared to the CG (5.4 d x 7.1; P = 0.0596) as seen in Table 3.

Table 3 Complications and length of hospital stay in the postoperative period, n (%).

	Group
Variables	GTMI (n = 21)	CG (n = 20)	Total (n = 41)	P value
Postoperative complications
No	15 (71.4)	13 (65.0)	28 (68.3)
Yes	6 (28.6)	7 (35.0)	13 (31.7)	0.65842
Intraoperative bleeding (n)	2 (9.5)	0 (0.0)	2 (4.9)
TEP	0 (0.0)	1 (5.0)	1 (2.4)
Paralytic ileus	2 (9.5)	1 (5.0)	3 (7.3)
Anemia	1 (4.8)	1 (5.0)	2 (4.9)
PNM	0 (0.0)	1 (5.0)	1 (2.4)
SPO2 drop < 92	0 (0.0)	2 (10.0)	2 (4.9)
ARI	1 (4.8)	0 (0.0)	1 (2.4)
Biliary fistula	0 (0.0)	1 (5.0)	1 (2.4)	-
Postoperative hospital stay (in days)
Mean (SD)	5.4 ± 2.0	7.1 ± 3.9	6.2 ± 3.2	0.05961

¹Based on the Mann-Whitney test.

²Based on the Chi-square test.

GTMI: Inspiratory muscle training group; CG: Control group; TEP: Pulmonary thromboembolism; PNM: Pneumonia; SpO₂: Peripheral oxygen saturation; ARI: Acute renal failure; SD: Standard deviation.

In the preoperative period, 22 patients (53%) were classified with ALBI 1; 16 (39%) patients with ALBI 2; and 3 (7%) patients with ALBI 3. On the fifth postoperative day, there was a worsening in the ALBI score classification, with 1 (2%) patient classified as ALBI 1; 24 (58%) patients classified as ALBI 2; and 16 (39%) patients classified as ALBI 3.

Patients with an ALBI score of 2 or 3, when compared with respiratory measurements, had higher V_T values (P = 0.0207) and higher MV (P = 0.0310), but with no difference in the “energy” variable between the groups.

On the fifth postoperative day, patients in the CG with ALBI score grade 3 had a higher value in the variable “energy” compared to patients classified as ALBI score grade 1 and 2 (P = 0.0187).

In the CG, when comparing the preoperative pressure variable with the first postoperative day, it was observed that patients who had undergone chemotherapy (n = 7) had a lower value (1.7 ± 4.6) in relation to patients who did not undergo chemotherapy (n = 13; 6.5 ± 4.4) P = 0.0394. The other measures did not show a statistically significant difference.

The respiratory variables (MV, V_T, PIM, PEM, CV, pressure, energy, inspiratory flow and power) had a statistically significant decrease when comparing the preoperative period with the first postoperative day (P ≤ 0, 0001), as described in Table 4.

Table 4 Comparison of respiratory variables measured with the manovacuometer, ventilometer and with the Powerbreathe^®between the preoperative, the first and fifth postoperative days of the inspiratory muscle training group and control group.

	GTMI (n = 21)			CG (n = 20)			P value2
Variables	Pre-op	PO first day1	PO fifth day	Pre-op	PO first day	PO fifth day
Manovacuometer
PIM (cmH2O)	110.9 ± 41	71.6 ± 42	115.6 ± 51	115.4 ± 73	77.9 ± 56	99.6 ± 68	0.0131
PEM (cmH2O)	101.0 ± 28	58.1 ± 26	83.1 ± 30	103.5 ± 43	63.0 ± 37	84.8 ± 42	0.6186
Ventilometer
CV (liters/min)	2789 ± 938	1423 ± 589	1937 ± 585	2705 ± 836	1356 ± 392	1737 ± 541	0.6014
VT (mL)	483.2 ± 273	425.2 ± 183	543.7 ± 221	473.1 ± 213	354.9 ± 161	474.2 ± 162	0.2866
VM (liters/min)	6905 ± 3449	7060 ± 2753	11012 ± 5381	7732 ± 3849	6573 ± 2746	9117 ± 3325	0.2091
Powerbreathe®
Energy (joules)	1.24 ± 1.4	0.61 ± 1.2	0.57 ± 0.3	0.87 ± 0.2	0.30 ± 0.1	0.52 ± 0.2	0.3098
Flow (liters/min)	1.78 ± 1.0	0.86 ± 0.8	1.21 ± 0.5	1.52 ± 0.7	0.64 ± 0.3	0.93 ± 0.4	0.4224
Power (watts)	0.99 ± 1.2	0.53 ± 1.0	0.53 ± 0.2	0.67 ± 0.3	0.32 ± 0.2	0.42 ± 0.2	0.3533
Pressure (cmH2O)	4.86 ± 2.0	4.53 ± 1.7	4.31 ± 0.2	4.32 ± 0.2	4.11 ± 0.1	4.31 ± 0.5	0.1405
Volume (liters)	1.82 ± 0.8	0.84 ± 0.5	1.15 ± 0.4	1.75 ± 0.5	0.61 ± 0.2	0.85 ± 0.2	0.0583

¹In Po1 all respiratory measurements were statistically lower (P ≤ 0.0001).

²The statistical test used was ANOVA for repeated measures with transformation by rank of the effect of the interaction between groups and times.

GTMI: Inspiratory muscle training group; PO: Post-operative; CG: Control group; Pre-op: Pre-operative; PIM: Maximum inspiratory pressure; PEM: Maximum inspiratory pressure; VC: Vital capacity; V_T: Tidal volume; VM: Minute volume.

The GTMI patients showed a tendency (P = 0.0583) to have a higher volume (liters/min) and a higher PIM value (P = 0.0131) on the fifth postoperative day (Table 4). The other variables evaluated showed no difference in statistics when groups were compared.

DISCUSSION

The present study analyzed two forms of physical therapy intervention: conventional physical therapy and the association with the Powerbreathe^® device for training the inspiratory muscles.

From the point of view of sample characterization, the variables were homogeneous, with a predominance of males in both groups and a mean age of 53 years, which corroborates the literature, since liver cancer is more prevalent in men[11]. This fact may be related to the higher consumption of alcohol, and consequently, the presence of cirrhosis, and to hepatitis C virus, as men have lifestyles that allow greater exposure to the virus, such as drug use and sexual intercourse without condoms[12].

When the BMI variable is evaluated, the study indicates an overweight population, with a mean value of 27.3 kg/m². Studies show an association of obese non-cirrhotic patients with liver cancer. 17% were recorded for overweight individuals and 89% for obese individuals with a BMI > 30 kg/m², with an average 24% increase in risk for each 5 kg/m² increase in BMI. It has also been reported that weight gain in adulthood increases the risk of cancer by up to 2.5 times. Carcinogenesis in this population needs to be further studied, since in the present study the population was also overweight[13].

The most frequently found diagnosis was liver metastasis (41.5%), followed by HCC (26.8%), liver nodule (17.1%), cholangiocarcinoma (12.2%) and hemangioma (2.4%). As for the antecedents, 56.1% had previous neoplasia, 39% had already undergone chemotherapy at some point, 19.5% had liver cirrhosis, 19.5% were smokers and 14.6% had hepatitis C. Metastases are the most frequent tumors, as presented in the study, followed by HCC as the main cause of primary liver cancer[2,13].

The mortality rate was 2.4%, a percentage considerably lower than that found in the literature of 6.0% and 7.7%. The low mortality in the present study may be related to the performance of the procedure by an experienced and trained multidisciplinary team[14] and the population studied was not composed of elderly people[14].

The presence of intraoperative and postoperative complications in both groups was 31.7%. Previous studies showed a higher percentage of complications (37.5%)[15], being a high-risk surgical procedure and its prognosis may be related to the type of primary tumor. Even though the surgical procedure is performed by highly qualified surgeons, the literature describes high rates of morbidity and mortality[15,16].

A considerable worsening of the parameters studied was observed after the surgical procedure, requiring measures to minimize the deleterious effects of the postoperative period, such as physical therapy, breathing techniques and inspiratory muscle training (TMI).

When the respiratory complications were evaluated, it was observed that the GTMI did not present any incidence, even with smokers and ex-smokers, which may be related to the better performance of the respiratory muscles after inspiratory muscle training. In the CG, however, it can be observed that three patients developed postoperative pulmonary complications, one patient developed pneumonia, one patient had a drop in SpO₂ for more than one day, and one patient developed pulmonary thromboembolism.

It was observed that, even with the performance of conventional physical therapy in both groups, the CG presented postoperative pulmonary complications, and the GTMI did not, which favors the indication of TMI in the postoperative period despite not showing statistical significance in complications.

Several studies describe that the inspiratory muscle training exercise minimizes the chances of complications in the postoperative period, including pleural effusion, atelectasis and pneumonia, as well as a shorter hospital stay[17,18], corroborating the findings of the present study, which demonstrated a shorter hospitalization in patients who underwent training of the inspiratory muscles. There was a statistical trend with a mean of 5.4 d (P = 0.0596) compared to 7.1 d in the CG, since the only differentiated intervention between the groups was TMI, and the CG had respiratory complications while the GTMI, did not[18].

The ALBI score was developed to be a prognostic predictor for HCC. Currently, its application has been studied in non-HCC patients in the postoperative period, including those with gastric cancer, and in patients with acute and chronic liver failure. This score seems to be superior to other scores such as Child-Pugh and model for end-stage liver disease (MELD) score to predict the occurrence of hepatic events[4,5].The score was applied to all study participants, being evaluated before and on the fifth postoperative day, demonstrating a worsening of the score in the postoperative period. Studies in hepatectomy by laparotomy describe a worsening in liver function after resection when compared to preoperatively[19].

A limitation of the present study was that it did not compare the MELD and Child-Pugh scores with the ALBI score, although these classifications are for cirrhotic patients and we had a good number of non-cirrhotic patients.

In the preoperative period, patients with a worse prognosis with an ALBI grade 2 and 3 had statistically higher volume (liters/min) and higher minute volume (liters/min).

Postoperatively, only patients in the CG with ALBI score 3 had a statistically higher energy value (joules) when compared with patients with ALBI score 1 and 2 (P = 0.0187).

The volume (liters/min), minute volume (liters/min) and energy (joules) were significantly higher in the ALBI score 3. Albumin may be associated with malnutrition, inflammation and, consequently, sarcopenia, and with a worse prognosis[20,21]. Sarcopenia is the deterioration of muscle mass, muscle strength and subsequent physical performance[20,22]. In liver disease, patients have fatigue, lower aerobic capacity, and ventilatory restriction, which may be correlated with a higher ventilatory demand described in this study[20,23].

Considering the current literature, we identified that this is the first study that compared the ALBI score before and after the operation, associating them with training of the inspiratory muscles.

It was observed that, in the GTMI, although six patients were classified with ALBI score 3, a level that corresponds to a 75% increase in mortality and postoperative complications[4,5], the same patients showed no statistical difference in any of the variables when comparing loss of strength of the inspiratory muscles and pulmonary mechanics and did not present respiratory complications.

In patients who underwent chemotherapy, there was a statistical difference: in the CG, the variable pressure (cmH₂O) (P = 0.0394); in GTMI, the variable energy (joules). There was a statistical trend (P = 0.0549) when comparing the pre and the first postoperative day in the intergroups.

Some studies describe that fatigue in cancer patients who underwent chemotherapy is associated with possible physiological and metabolic adaptations such as deconditioning due to the continuous loss of muscle mass, including the diaphragm muscle. It would also be associated with cardiotoxicity and neurotoxicity[24,25], which may explain this result.

The ideal PIM variable is a predictive value of maximal inspiratory pressure, obtained through a formula that uses age and sex to obtain the result, which can be compared with the actual measurement of each individual. The calculation performed showed an average of 103 cmH₂O and, after statistical evaluation, there was no difference between the groups for the preoperative average. The PIM variable measured in all participants in the preoperative period, with the manovacuometer device, obtained an average value of 113 cmH₂O, suggesting that the study participants did not present preoperative weakness of the inspiratory muscles.

With the decrease in respiratory measures in the postoperative period, a worsening of the clinical outcome can be expected and the TMI can result in an increase in PIM. This may reflect on the strength of the inspiratory muscles and may reduce the chance of complications and mortality. In this study, it was observed that there was a significant increase in PIM (P = 0.0131) after inspiratory muscle training, when comparing the CG with the GTMI. Although there is no specific study of TMI in hepatectomy, this result is in line with some published studies, in which it is argued that TMI, or the association with other exercises, can increase PIM. This is in addition to reducing respiratory complications and improving postoperative pulmonary performance[26-28].

A recent study described that this value of PIM, in isolation, proves to be little beneficial. PIM values associated with other variables, such as outcome, mortality, and fewer postoperative complications may show clinical benefits[27].

Some studies describe that the increase in PIM is directly related to the strength of the inspiratory muscles and lower respiratory complications in the postoperative period[27,28].

The Powerbreathe^® device, through a linear load and pressure during inspiration, recruits muscle fibers, and in addition to being a light, easy-to-handle equipment, features software, which provides visual feedback of the amount of inspired air volume, speed and strength, which the patient is doing with each breath. This makes it possible to monitor the patient regarding his progress in training, in addition to storing the data and issuing a report on respiratory measurements and how the training was[27,29].

The success of TMI depends on the engagement of the physical therapy team, with scientific data that bring benefits to patients[29].

Despite evidence that TMI increases inspiratory muscle strength and improves patient outcome, it is still not a standardized practice in most hospitals worldwide[29].

There are few studies in the literature on TMI with the Powerbreathe^® device in the postoperative period of specific surgeries. Currently, there are studies in athletes[26] and some studies in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, congestive heart failure[28], cardiac surgery, ventilator weaning[29,30] and esophagectomy[27].

It is noteworthy that, in this study, in the GTMI, there were no respiratory complications.

CONCLUSION

All respiratory measures showed a reduction in the postoperative period. The number of postoperative pulmonary complications was low and there was no difference between the studied groups. In patients who underwent chemotherapy, changes in some respiratory parameters may be associated with the toxic effects of therapy, such as sarcopenia. Respiratory muscle training using the Powerbreathe^® device increased maximal inspiratory pressure and this may have contributed to a shorter hospital stay and better clinical outcome.

ARTICLE HIGHLIGHTS

Research background

The study was developed in view of the growing number of surgical procedures and the need for scientific evidence that demonstrates the need for specialized physiotherapeutic evaluation to prevent and/or minimize postoperative complications. Inspiratory muscle training with an electronic device has been shown to be efficient in several pathologies, but limited in surgical patients with an indication to start in the preoperative period in order to assess and recognize respiratory mechanics, aiming to minimize and treat complications in the postoperative period.

Research motivation

Patients who undergo hepatectomy by laparotomy evolve with limited ventilatory mechanics. Respiratory restriction by the surgical incision, postoperative pain, diaphragmatic injury in the surgical procedure, subsequent weakness of the respiratory muscles, can lead to complications in the postoperative period. Inspiratory muscle training may be able to reduce the risk of pulmonary complications by improving the strength, resistance of respiratory muscles and lung function.

Research objectives

The objective of the present study was to evaluate and compare the strength of the respiratory muscles in the pre and postoperative periods of patients undergoing hepatectomy by laparotomy and to verify the incidence of postoperative pulmonary complications among the groups studied.

Research methods

A prospective, randomized, clinical trial study that compared the inspiratory muscle training group with the control group. Data were collected in both groups, preoperatively, on the first and fifth postoperative days, vital signs and lung mechanics were evaluated and recorded. The value of albumin and bilirubin was noted for the albumin-bilirubin (ALBI) score. After randomization and allocation of participants, one group performed conventional physical therapy and the other group performed conventional physical therapy plus inspiratory muscle training, in both groups for five postoperative days.

Research results

Of the 41 participants included, the most frequent diagnosis was 41.5% with liver metastasis, followed by 26.8% with hepatocellular carcinoma. As for respiratory complications in inspiratory muscle training group (GTMI), there was no incidence. In the control group (CG), there were three respiratory complications. Patients in the CG classified with ALBI score 3 had, statistically, a higher energy value compared to patients classified with ALBI scores 1 and 2 (P = 0.0187). The respiratory variables, measured preoperatively and on the first postoperative day, had a significant drop in both groups from the preoperative period to the first postoperative day (P ≤ 0.0001). When comparing the preoperative period and the fifth postoperative day between the GTMI and the CG, the inspiratory muscle training variable in the GTMI was statistically significant (P = 0.0131).

Research conclusions

All respiratory measures showed a reduction in the postoperative period. Respiratory muscle training using the Powerbreathe^® device increased maximal inspiratory pressure and this may have contributed to a shorter hospital stay and better clinical outcome.

Research perspectives

Through specific knowledge of the changes presented in the postoperative period, develop individualized protocols for inspiratory muscle training to minimize and avoid possible complications, improve the quality of care and reduce the length of stay of patients undergoing hepatectomy.