Effectiveness of bronchoscopy-assisted postoperative respiratory management in patients with lung cancer and impaired cough strength: a retrospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND

Patients with lung cancer and impaired cough strength have an increased risk of postoperative respiratory complications. This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of bronchoscopy-assisted postoperative respiratory management in reducing these complications.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This retrospective study included 781 lung cancer patients who received comprehensive postoperative respiratory management between April 2021 and May 2023 in a tertiary care setting. Cough strength was assessed on a scale of 0-5, and patients were categorized by secretion volume. Patients with a cough strength score ≤2 and moderate or higher secretions were identified for bronchoscopy-assisted management.

RESULTS

Twelve patients underwent bronchoscopy-assisted postoperative respiratory management. All 12 patients successfully recovered without requiring postoperative reintubation. Inflammatory marker levels significantly decreased after bronchoscopy and suctioning, with no in-hospital fatalities. The average postoperative hospital stay was 8.0 ± 5.5 days. Among the patients who did not require bronchoscopy-assisted suction, 71 experienced delayed discharge owing to various pulmonary complications, although none required reintubation.

CONCLUSIONS

Bronchoscopy-assisted postoperative respiratory management was a promising strategy to prevent respiratory complications in patients with lung cancer and impaired cough strength. Our findings challenge the notion that weak airway competence is a contraindication for lung surgery. Early bronchoscopic intervention and diligent evaluation of airway secretions and cough strength offer substantial potential to improve patient outcomes.