Objective: The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of preoperative rehabilitation on operability and postoperative outcome in patients with lung cancer.
Methods: We studied retrospectively 27 patients who underwent respiratory rehabilitation for 4 weeks prior to lung cancer resection and 26 patients who were operated without previous rehabilitation (control group). Spirometry, arterial blood gases, and exercise tests with maximum oxygen consumption (VO2max) were assessed pre and postoperatively. Postoperative outcome was evaluated in terms of complications and survival.
Results: Patients in the rehabilitation group had a more severe functional impairment (forced expiratory volume in 1 second FEV1 67,9% versus 79,3% and VO2max 60% versus 85,7% in the control group). The rehabilitation program increased FEV1 and VO2max by 4,3% and 8%, respectively, in patients who had had these parameters below 60%. Postoperative complications and survival were similar between the 2 groups.
Conclusions: Preoperative rehabilitation is beneficial in patients with borderline respiratory function, improving accessibility to intervention.