Prevention of postoperative pulmonary complications through preoperative physiotherapy interventions in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass graft: literature review

[Purpose] The purpose of this review is to identify which preoperative physiotherapy interventions are applied in patients undergoing Coronary Artery Bypass Graft. [Participants and Methods] A literature review was carried out using the databases EBSCOhost, Pubmed, LILACS, IBECS, Cochrane and PEDro. Taking into consideration the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 14 studies published in 2006–2017 about preoperative physiotherapy to Coronary Artery Bypass Graft in adults were selected. [Results] Preoperative physiotherapy included interventions such as inspiratory muscle training, aerobic exercise, education in breathing exercises and counselling. Most of the studies described a combination of these interventions illustrating benefits for patients as decreasing the risk of developing postoperative pulmonary complications, reducing the length of hospitalization as well as time to extubation, anxiety and depression. [Conclusion] Preoperative Physiotherapy in patients undergoing Coronary Artery Bypass Graft includes different interventions, and their effects have been evaluated mainly through a combination of them. These combined interventions, particularly those with an inspiratory muscle training component reduce postoperative pulmonary complications. More studies are needed to identify their impact for patients.