Background: Bariatric surgeries could alter pulmonary function because of usage of anesthesia as well actual surgical maneuver leading to reduction of residual functional capacity (RFC), precocious closure of small airways and more probability for hypoxemia as well as higher tendency for atelectasis.
Purpose: To evaluate transcutaneous electric diaphragmatic stimulation versus pilates method on lung functions post bariatric surgery.
Subject and Methods: Thirty patients aged 25-40 years old with body mass index (BMI) ranging from 35- 60 kg/m² underwent sleeve gastrectomy were selected from Outclinics at Menouf General Hospital. They were randomly allocated into two equal groups: Group (A) included 15 participants that received conventional chest physiotherapy plus transcutaneous electric diaphragmatic stimulation as well as medical treatment. While, group (B) included 15 participants that received their conventional chest physiotherapy program, pilates method and medical treatment. Response of lung volumes pre- and post-treatment was recorded.
Results: There was a significant increase of VC and FVC post-treatment in group A & B compared to pre-treatment values (p > 0.001). Furthermore, increase of VC and FVC in group A (12.08% & 12.87% respectively) also group B (45.19% & 52.19% respectively).
Conclusion: conventional chest physiotherapy in addition to pilates method promote maintenance of pulmonary function. Therefore, it can serve as a preventive character following bariatric surgeries.