Evaluation of the rehabilitation program in a patient submitted to pleuropneumonectomy for malignant pleural mesothelioma
Milazzo, M.; Magrone, G.; Romanelli, A.; Ronconi, G.; Gallotta, E.; Sterzi, S.
Annali Italiani di Chirurgia 78(5): 397-400
2007
ISSN/ISBN: 0003-469X PMID: 18338547 Document Number: 606836
The purpose of this study is to test a rehabilitation program for the patients with malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) subordinates to pleuropneumonectomy. A single patient was evaluated at baseline (TI) and at the end of the pulmonary rehabilitation (T2), by undergoing spirometric measurements, emogasanalisys and 6-Minute Walking Test (6-MWT). Outcome evaluation were administered with Visual Analogic Scales (VAS), Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scales (HADS) and Short 36 Form Health Survey version 2 (SF-36). The rehabilitative program included exercise to improve the respiratory functionality, the cardiovascular fitness and the global posture. Pulmonary function, effort tolerance, estimated by the 6-Minute Walking Test, quality of life, estimated by means of SF-36 v2 improved, and pain, estimated by Visual Analogic Scales, anxiety and depression estimated by Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scales reduction was obtained. Actually does not exist a specific rehabilitation protocol for MPM patients. We report that our protocol relieved dyspnoea, increased the capacity to walk, and improved health-related quality of life. Future studies will define the role of the rehabilitation for MPM patients and will optimize the protocol.