Efficacy of levosalbutamol for lung cancer patients receiving postoperative sputum expectoration by high-frequency chest wall oscillation

Background: Sputum expectoration is an important nursing link for lung cancer patients after thoracoscopic lobectomy. Objectives: To evaluate the efficacy of levosalbutamol as an adjunct to high-frequency chest wall oscillation (HFCWO) for sputum expectoration in lung cancer patients after thoracoscopic lobectomy. Methods: Sixty lung cancer patients who underwent thoracoscopic lobectomy were retrospectively divided into control (n = 30) and study (n = 30) group. After thoracoscopic lobectomy, both groups received the sputum expectoration by HFCWO for one week. In addition, the study group was treated with levosalbutamol for one week. The postoperative sputum volume was recorded. The pulmonary complications were observed. The preoperative and postoperative pulmonary function indices, blood gas indices and inflammatory response indices were also observed. Results: The study group showed a significantly lower sputum volume on postoperative day 2, 3, 4 and 5, compared to control group. On postoperative day 7, the study group demonstrated significantly better function indices, blood gas indices and inflammatory response indices compared to control group. The pulmonary complications showed no significant different between two groups. Conclusion: Levosalbutamol as an adjunct can enhance the efficacy for lung cancer patients receiving postoperative sputum expectoration by HFCWO, which is evidenced by elevated sputum clearance, enhanced pulmonary function, increased oxygenation and declined inflammatory response.