POST-OPERATIVE LUNG CONDITION - getting back to normal.

[gutlesswonder]

The Ivor Lewis procedure entails collapsing the right lung in order to gain unfettered access to the chest cavity.

It is vital that that organ is re-inflated and rehabilitated successfully.

An important aid in that process, involving physiotherapy, is the Spirometer.

Here is what a leading American clinic advises:-

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Using your incentive spirometer after surgery will help you keep your lungs clear and will help keep your lungs active throughout the recovery process, as if you were performing your daily activities.

How to use the incentive spirometer

Sit on the edge of your bed if possible, or sit up as far as you can in bed.

Hold the incentive spirometer in an upright position.

Place the mouthpiece in your mouth and seal your lips tightly around it.

Breathe in slowly and as deeply as possible. Notice the yellow piston rising toward the top of the column. The yellow indicator should reach the blue outlined area.

Hold your breath as long as possible. Then exhale slowly and allow the piston to fall to the bottom of the column.

Rest for a few seconds and repeat steps one to 5 at least 10 times every hour.

Position the yellow indicator on the left side of the spirometer to show your best effort. Use the indicator as a goal to work toward during each slow deep breath.

After each set of 10 deep breaths, cough to be sure your lungs are clear. If you have an incision, support your incision when coughing by placing a pillow firmly against it.

Once you are able to get out of bed safely, take frequent walks and practice the cough.

References:

Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. National Guideline Clearinghouse: Incentive Spirometry, 2011 Accessed 8/29/2013.

Merck Manual for Home Health Care. Chest Physical Therapy Accessed 8/29/2013.

© Copyright 1995-2018 The Cleveland Clinic Foundation. All rights reserved.

This information is provided by the Cleveland Clinic and is not intended to replace the medical advice of your doctor or healthcare provider. Please consult your healthcare provider for advice about a specific medical condition. This document was last reviewed on: 06/20/2015

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My hospital issued me with one of these devices after my operation 26 years ago. I found it to be invaluable. After a recent bout of flu-aggravated inhalation pneumonia I have retrieved it from storage and re-commenced using it according to the instructions.

Here is the US manufacturers' video --

youtube.com/watch?v=NOUfWWr...(Not working as expected?)

Here is a UK supplier --

intersurgical.co.uk/product...

[Magpuss]

Interesting. I wish I'd had physio of any kind, after my op. Three years after the event I was diagnosed with copd and I have wondered if there's any connection. I now have a similar device to exercise my lungs.

[haward]

I found mine invaluable post-op. Not just for the exercise but because I could track my recovery really easily. H