Patients who have undergone complex surgery are often susceptible to post-operative complications. Physiotherapy treatment is an important aspect of a patient’s recovery and may help in preventing and/or treating these complications.

What problems do we treat?

We assist in the recovery from complications following:

• hepato-biliary surgery, including liver transplants
• upper and lower gastrointestinal surgery
• urology surgery
• maxillofacial/ear nose and throat surgery

Such patient groups often have pre-existing additional disorders, including severe nutritional deficit, as well as neurological, vascular and respiratory abnormalities. In addition to this, prolonged surgery time and critical care stay contribute to the high risk nature of this group.

Main physiotherapy interventions

Respiratory

Physiotherapy intervention is aimed at prevention and treatment of respiratory complications after surgery. The main aims are to assist in secretion clearance, carry out volume enhancement therapy and aim to reduce work of breathing.

Pre-operative education

Patients who are undergoing oesophagectomies are reviewed by a clinical specialist physiotherapist as part of a pre-operative clinic work-up.

Post-operative rehabilitation

Physiotherapists use their specialist knowledge and experience in order to promote a patient’s functional independence and may assist them in returning to their activities of daily living. Psychosocial aspects of a patient’s care are also considered.

Contact

Liana Menzies – Senior Physiotherapist – Team Leader

Email: QEHBphysio@uhb.nhs.uk