The aim of this study was to compare the effect of expiratory positive airway pressure (EPAP) and flow-oriented incentive spirometry on pulmonary function after laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery. Twenty-eight non-smoking women, with no lung disease and body mass index of 35 to 50 kg/m², undergoing laparoscopic gastric bypass surgery (hospitalized for two days) were assessed by spirometry, thoracoabdominal cirtometry and as to diaphragmatic motion prior to, and on the second post-operative day. Before surgery patients were divided into two groups, SG - spirometer group (n=13), and EG - EPAP group (n=15). Motor physical therapy was standardized for both groups; respiratory therapy (both modalities) started on the day of surgery, in 15-minute sessions. Post-operative results showed similar reduction, in both groups, in the values of vital capacity, forced vital capacity, maximum voluntary ventilation, and inspiratory reserve volume. No changes were found in tidal volume values in SG, neither in expiratory reserve volume in EG. Diaphragmatic and thoracoabdominal motion were less harmed in SG. After bariatric surgery thus incentive spirometry had better effect in maintaining tidal volume, as well as on diaphragmatic and thoracoabdominal motion; while EPAP proved more efficient in re-establishing expiratory reserve volume in the postoperative period.
Bariatric surgery; Breathing exercises; Obesity; Physical therapy (Specialty)
