Post-Laparotomy Pulmonary Complications in Blow Bottle versus Interdigital Breathing Technique: A Quasi-Experimental Study

Objective: To analyze the impact of interdigital versus blow-bottle breathing exercises on spirometry, pulse oximetry and respiratory rate in post-laparotomy patients. Study Design: Quasi-experimental study. Place and Duration of Study: Riphah College of Rehabilitation Sciences, Riphah International University and Capital Hospital, Islamabad, Pakistan, from Apr to Aug 2018. Methodology: This quasi experimental study recruited 27 post laparotomy patients, male and female, aged between 25-45 years. Along with conventional treatment for both groups, Group-A (n=14) received interdigital breathing exercises and Group-B (n=13) was given blow-bottle breathing therapy. Effect on spirometry, pulse oximetry tests and respiratory rate on Day 1, 3 and 6 were recorded. Results: On 6th Day post-laparotomy, interdigital group (Group A) showed significantly higher median and mean ranks for oxygen saturation (OS) (p<0.001), rate of peek expiratory flow (p=0.000), forced expiratory volume (1 second) (p=0.018), forced vital capacity (p<0.001) and lower respiratory rate (p<0.001). Blow bottle breathing therapy revealed significantly higher mean for forced vital capacity (p=0.017), but was lower for Oxygen saturation (p<0.001) and respiratory rate (p<0.001). Conclusion: Our findings lead us to conclude that interdigital technique provides more benefit to post-laparotomy patient compared to blow bottle technique in effective management of pulmonary complications.