Effect of Post-operative Physiotherapy in a 50-Year-Old Male Following Thoracic Evacuation and Decortication Surgery After Traumatic Hemopneumothorax: A Case Report

A bstract Background: Decortication is a common surgical procedure performed following complications such as pneumothorax, hemothorax, and hemopneumothorax. Postoperative complications often include lung atelectasis, breathlessness, pain, poor posture, and infection. This case report highlights the role of physiotherapy in preventing secondary complications and enhancing functional capacity and mobility following thoracic evacuation and decortication. Materials and Methods: A 50-year-old male underwent thoracotomy evacuation and decortication due to traumatic hemopneumothorax. High-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) revealed a right-sided moderate loculated pleural effusion with partial lung collapse, minimal pneumothorax, ground-glass density nodules (GGNs) in the right middle lobe, and atelectatic bands in the posterobasal segment of the lower lobe. Post-operatively, the patient received structured physiotherapy interventions, including positioning, breathing exercises, incentive spirometry, lung clearance techniques, sit-to-stand training, mobility exercises, walking, and stair climbing. Outcome measures were recorded pre- and post-intervention. Results: Improvements were observed across all outcome measures, including the Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS), New York Heart Association (NYHA) classification, Intensive Care Unit (ICU) Mobility Scale, Barthel Index, and modified Borg Rating Scale. These improvements reflected enhanced functional capacity, reduced dyspnea and perceived exertion, better mobility, and improved quality of life. Conclusion: This case report underscores the vital role of physiotherapy in managing postoperative pulmonary complications and in promoting recovery of functional independence and quality of life following decortication surgery.