Active cycle of breathing technique may reduce pulmonary complications after esophagectomy: A randomized clinical trial.

Background: The purpose of the study was to determine whether the active cycle of breathing technique (ACBT) has an impact on postoperative pulmonary complication (PPC) after esophagectomy.

Methods: In this prospective randomized trial, patients who were candidates for esophagectomy were randomized into groups, wherein they received either ACBT (n = 146) or conventional chest physiotherapy (control group, n = 145) on postoperative days (POD) 1-3. The primary outcome was PPC.