Objective: The aim of this study was to measure the changes in lung volume, pulmonary ventilation, maximum respiratory muscle strength, and the incidence of pulmonary complications in patients undergoing elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Type of study: Prospective study. Material and methods: Twenty patients (7 men and 13 women) with mean age of 42.7 years with normal respiratory function were studied. All patients in the preoperative period answered a long questionnaire, had a physical examination done, and had their lung volumes, respiratory muscle strength, diaphragmatic index and pulse oximetry determined. All measurements were repeated on the 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 6th postoperative days. Results: Patients showed a significant decrease (p < 0.05) on the first postoperative day: 26% ± 13% in tidal volume; 20% ± 14% in minute volume; 36% ± 17% in vital capacity; 47% ± 17% in maximum inspiratory pressure, 39% ± 27% in the maximum expiratory pressure and 36% ± 25% in diaphragmatic index. Tidal volume, minute volume and maximum expiratory pressure returned to their basal values on the third postoperative day; vital capacity, maximum inspiratory pressure and diaphragmatic index returned to their basal values between the 4th and 6th postoperative days. Among the 20 patients pulmonary complication was observed in just one patient (lobar atelectasis); there was a full recovery by the third postoperative day with the use of chest physical therapy techniques. Conclusion: The authors conclude that patients undergoing a laparoscopic cholecystectomy show a significant decrease in lung volume and in respiratory muscle strength on the first postoperative day. But, when these measurements are compared to the literature, return to their basal values is faster (between the 4th and 6th postoperative days) than with conventional surgery.

Keywords: Laparoscopic surgery, preoperative and postoperative care and respiratory muscle strength.

Objective: The aim of this study was to measure the changes in lung volume, pulmonary ventilation, maximum respiratory muscle strength, and the incidence of pulmonary complications in patients undergoing elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Type of study: Prospective study. Material and methods: Twenty patients (7 men and 13 women) with mean age of 42.7 years with normal respiratory function were studied. All patients in the preoperative period answered a long questionnaire, had a physical examination done, and had their lung volumes, respiratory muscle strength, diaphragmatic index and pulse oximetry determined. All measurements were repeated on the 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 6th postoperative days. Results: Patients showed a significant decrease (p < 0.05) on the first postoperative day: 26% ± 13% in tidal volume; 20% ± 14% in minute volume; 36% ± 17% in vital capacity; 47% ± 17% in maximum inspiratory pressure, 39% ± 27% in the maximum expiratory pressure and 36% ± 25% in diaphragmatic index. Tidal volume, minute volume and maximum expiratory pressure returned to their basal values on the third postoperative day; vital capacity, maximum inspiratory pressure and diaphragmatic index returned to their basal values between the 4th and 6th postoperative days. Among the 20 patients pulmonary complication was observed in just one patient (lobar atelectasis); there was a full recovery by the third postoperative day with the use of chest physical therapy techniques. Conclusion: The authors conclude that patients undergoing a laparoscopic cholecystectomy show a significant decrease in lung volume and in respiratory muscle strength on the first postoperative day. But, when these measurements are compared to the literature, return to their basal values is faster (between the 4th and 6th postoperative days) than with conventional surgery.

Keywords: Laparoscopic surgery, preoperative and postoperative care and respiratory muscle strength.

Objective: To evaluate the impact of a 5-day educational camp program for children with asthma in terms of improving their knowledge of asthma and enhancing their performance in the use of inhaled medication and in physical activities. Methods: Every day, the children received 20-min interactive educational sessions, the technique for using the metered-dose inhaler was reviewed, two peak flow readings were recorded, and the children performed physical activities that included breathing and relaxation exercises. A questionnaire regarding knowledge of asthma, as well as asthma triggers, asthma medications, misconceptions regarding asthma, and the use of spacers, was administered before and after the intervention. Correct use of inhaled medication and exercise-related symptoms were also evaluated before and after the intervention. Results: A total of 37 children with asthma, aged 8-10 years (15 females and 22 males), were included in this study. Of those, 25% showed an improvement in the level of knowledge of asthma after the educational camp program, as evidenced by the greater number of correct answers on three of the twelve questions analyzed (p < 0.05). The exercise-related dyspnea scores decreased significantly (p < 0.05). The ability to use inhaled medication correctly was significantly improved after the intervention (p < 0.05). Conclusions: The asthma educational camp program can improve knowledge about specific questions, encourage participation in physical activities, and improve the asthma management skills of children.

Keywords: Asthma; Asthma/prevention & control; Models, educational; Child.