INTRODUCTION: Postoperative pulmonary complications are a major source of mortality and morbility. Respiratory physiotherapy, which is often used to prevent and treat these complications, can be started preoperatively, in order to assess and guide the patients. OBJECTIVE: To establish the effectiveness of a preoperative physiotherapy program for patients submitted to elective coronary artery bypass surgery as regards to the reduction of the hospital stay and prevention of pulmonary complications, changes in pulmonary volumes and inspiratory muscle force. METHOD: This was a randomized clinical trial. The study group consisted of 86 patients submitted to elective coronary artery bypass surgery at the Instituto de Cardiologia do Rio Grande do Sul. The intervention group (44 patients) was assessed and received physiotherapeutic guidance with written manuals at least 15 days before surgery. The control group (42 patients), on the other hand, received routine guidance on the day of hospital entry. RESULTS: A significant reduction in the hospital stay (p<0.05) was observed in the intervention group. No difference were found between the groups in respect to the change of lung volumes, inspiratory muscle force and occurrence of pulmonary complications as seen by X-ray. CONCLUSION: Patients who have had preoperative instruction are better prepared to cooperate with postoperative treatment. As these patients understand the purpose of pre- and post-operative physiotherapy, the limitations resulting from the surgical process and the physiotherapeutic technique proposed, they may ultimately have a shorter stay in hospital.
Physical therapy; Preoperative care; Myocardial revascularization
