Shimaa Hussein Ahmed Roshdy, Nesreen Ghareeb El- Nahas, Azza Abd el Aziz Abd el Hady, Moheb Wadeea El Faizy

Abstract

Background: Postoperative pulmonary complications (PPC) are noteworthy reasons of mortality Post liver transplantation (LT), which occur in approximately 35% to 50% of the recipients. Pulmonary dysfunction has likewise been widely reported among patients anticipating LT. Objectives: This study was conducted to estimate the impact of early pulmonary rehabilitation post liver transplant. Subjects: 30 men patients with mean age of 49.27 ± 7.12 yrs. Post liver transplantation surgery participated in this study, all patients received traditional Physical therapy program including deep breathing exercise in form of diaphragmatic, apical, costal breathing, and POWERbreathe Plus device with early ambulation. This program was done 14 sessions/week twice daily for 21 days. Arterial blood gases analysis was measured on 1^st day before training then 7^th day in Intensive care unit (ICU), then re-measured after 21 days in the ward. Distance in 6-minute walk test was measured in the 7^th day and after 21 days. Results: There was a statistically significant difference in pH, PCO₂, PO₂, Lactate, HCO₃ measured in the 1^th, 7^th, and 21^st day, and distance in 6-minute walk test was measured two times in 7^th and 21^st days. Conclusion: It was concluded that the POWERbreathe Plus device was effective in rehabilitation in post liver transplantation patients and helped in improvement of quality of life, and enhances patients’ compliance and independence