Effect of Manual Chest Wall Vibration on Respiratory Function and Chest Tube Duration After Thoracic Surgery

This study was conducted to determine the effects of a manual vibration technique applied to the chest wall on the duration of chest tube placement, secretion clearance, and hemodynamic parameters in patients with chest tubes.

Thoracic surgery is a method used in the treatment of diseases of the lungs, pleura, chest wall, and mediastinum. The primary problems encountered by patients postoperatively include improper patient positioning, incision pain, ineffective coughing, reduced lung volume, postoperative pulmonary complications, inadequate airway clearance, frozen shoulder on the side of the thoracotomy, postural abnormalities, and persistent chest wall tension. These issues, particularly pulmonary complications, can delay patient recovery, prolong hospital stays, and increase morbidity and mortality. Tube thoracostomy is a one-way drainage system that facilitates the drainage of fluid and air from the pleural space, maintains negative pressure, and allows for lung expansion. Additionally, it allows for the administration of therapeutic medications into the pleural space. Patients should be educated on respiratory exercises-such as coughing, balloon inflation, and the use of a triflowmeter-to facilitate lung expansion and secretion clearance, and they should be encouraged to perform these exercises regularly. A review of the literature reveals no studies investigating the effectiveness of manual vibration in patients with chest tubes. It is believed that this technique may shorten the duration of chest tube placement. Additionally, due to the lack of cost-effectiveness of mechanical vibration, supply issues, the inability to use it effectively on all patients in clinical settings, the recommendation for more frequent use, and the necessity of applying it based on the patient's needs rather than at regular intervals (such as every two hours)-a determination that must be made by the nurse closely monitoring the patient- it is anticipated that the manual vibration technique will provide greater benefits at regular intervals without incurring additional costs, as it adapts to the patient's needs and the clinic's operational schedule throughout the day.

Inclusion criteria

• Having undergone thoracic surgery
• Having a chest tube in the postoperative period
• Being hemodynamically stable
• Agreeing to participate in the study
• Being open to communication and cooperation

Exclusion criteria

• Severe cardiac instability
• Patients unable to tolerate the procedure due to neurological or cognitive impairment
• Clinical conditions that would prevent the application of vibration to the chest wall
• Patients diagnosed with pneumonia
• Patients with a newly implanted transvenous or subcutaneous pacemaker