Fatores de risco para complicações pulmonares no pós-operatório de cirurgia de megaesôfago: uma visão fisioterapêutica

Abstract

Risk factors were researched for pulmonary complications that affect patients subjected to chagasic megaesophagus surgery and the importance of pre-and post-operative physical therapy. Based on a systematic analysis of medical literature in the period from 2000 to 2007 in the Bireme, Lilacs and SciELO electronic databases, elderly patients with chagasic megaesophagus presenting poor nutrition, smoking, lung diseases or other previous comorbidities, have an increased risk of developing post-operative pulmonary complications. Moreover, the type of anesthetic used and the duration of the surgery also influence the development of such complications. The pulmonary complications most cited in the literature are pneumonia, atelectasis, pleural effusion, acute respiratory failure and tracheobronchitis. Early physical therapy intervention minimizes the risks, preventing complications and speeding up the restoration of lung function. The previous knowledge of risk factors related to pulmonary complications is an effective strategy in the treatment of patients undergoing esophageal surgery, reducing the rate of morbidity and mortality. The pre- and post-operative physical therapy intervention is referred to as an integral part of the treatment of these patients, especially in the identification and prevention of certain risk factors.