Pneumonectomy

I would like to know what position is contraindicated post pneumonectomy and why. Thanks

Generally Head down or tipping positions should be avoided in Pneumonectomy. The ideal position for care after surgery is half lying or crook half lying.

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Originally Posted by fisiobcn

I would like to know what position is contraindicated post pneumonectomy and why. Thanks

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I imagine as this might be partial, right or left side etc we definitely need more information from you about your patient. Positions will be lobe dependent in some cases if you are talking about a lobectomy etc.

Definition for further clarification:

A pneumonectomy (or pneumectomy) is an surgical procedure to remove a lung. Removal of one lobe of the lung is referred to as a lobectomy, and that of a segment of the lung as a segmentectomy. The term pneumonectomy may also be used in a more general sense to encompass removal of all or part of a lung.

In patients with pneumonectomy,sidelying on non-operated side is contraindicated till the drainage tube is removed +the tissues around is fibrosed and cannot compress or alter physiology if made to lie on affected side.

Let me add further that Pneumonectomy patients should not be positioned on their unoperated side. This can result in bronchopleural fistula due to space fluid washing over the bronchial stump. Patients undergoing intrapericardial pneumonectomy should be treated in sitting for the first 4 days unless advised otherwise by the medical team.

Position the patient in a semi Fowler's Position (head of bed elevated to 30 degrees and hips and knees slightly flexed). This position reduces traction on the thoracic incision.