Preserving pulmonary function and functional capacity in children undergoing open abdominal surgery: A one group pretest–posttest, quasiexperimental pilot trial

Pilot study of 8 children (ages 5-17) undergoing open abdominal surgery demonstrates that preoperative physiotherapy education combined with postoperative physiotherapy may preserve pulmonary function and significantly improve functional mobility outcomes. While spirometry values showed no significant change, walking tests and stair climbing showed marked improvement by postoperative day five.