Evaluation of the rehabilitation program in a patient submitted to pleuropneumonectomy for malignant pleural mesothelioma

Annali Italiani di Chirurgia. 2007 Sep-Oct;78(5):397-400. [Link]

Milazzo M, Magrone G, Romanelli A, Ronconi G, Gallotta E, Sterzi S.

Scuola di Specializzazione in Medicina Fisica e Riabilitazione. Università Campus Bio-Medico di Roma.

Abstract

Objective: The purpose of this study is to test a rehabilitation program for the patients with malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) subordinates to pleuropneumonectomy.

Materials and Methods: 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.

Outcome: 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.

Discussion: 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.

Conclusions: Future studies will define the role of the rehabilitation for MPM patients and will optimize the protocol.