Evidence on respiratory physiotherapy interventions in patients undergoing abdominoplasty: An integrative review

Abstract

Introduction: Abdominoplasty is a surgical procedure that removes excess skin and fat tissue from the abdomen. Although severe respiratory complications are uncommon, changes in respiratory function may occur postoperatively. In this context, respiratory physical therapy can play an important role in the postoperative period by promoting faster functional recovery and early restoration of respiratory function. Objective: To analyze the available evidence on respiratory physical therapy interventions and their possible effects on respiratory, clinical, and functional parameters in patients undergoing abdominoplasty. Methods: This is an integrative literature review, with complementary use of Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) 2020 items to ensure transparent reporting. It included studies on abdominoplasty and physical therapy interventions published between 2016 and 2026 in Portuguese, English, or Spanish. The search was conducted in the PubMed/MEDLINE, Virtual Health Library, SciELO, Physiotherapy Evidence Database, and Cochrane Library databases. Study selection was performed independently by two reviewers, with a third reviewer consulted in case of disagreement. Results: The literature search identified 30 records in the five databases consulted. After applying the eligibility criteria, only one study was included in the final sample. Although preoperative respiratory physical therapy did not significantly change spirometry, the intervention group showed lower intra-abdominal pressure. Conclusion: The results indicate a significant gap in the literature. Due to the scarcity of studies and the methodological limitations of the single included study, it was not possible to establish the effectiveness of respiratory physical therapy or its impact on functional recovery; further studies are needed to contribute to a better understanding of the topic.