Effectiveness of bronchoscopy-assisted postoperative respiratory management in patients with lung cancer and impaired cough strength: a retrospective cohort study.

Background: Patients with lung cancer and impaired cough strength have an increased risk of postoperative respiratory complications. This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of bronchoscopy-assisted postoperative respiratory management in reducing these complications. Materials and methods: This retrospective study included 781 lung cancer patients who received comprehensive postoperative respiratory management between April 2021 and May 2023 in a tertiary care setting. Cough strength was assessed on a scale of 0-5, and patients were categorized by secretion volume. Patients with a cough strength score ≤2 and moderate or higher secretions were identified for bronchoscopy-assisted management. Results: Twelve patients underwent bronchoscopy-assisted postoperative respiratory management. All 12 patients successfully recovered without requiring postoperative reintubation. Inflammatory marker levels significantly decreased after bronchoscopy and suctioning, with no in-hospital fatalities. The average postoperative hospital stay was 8.0 ± 5.5 days. Among the patients who did not require bronchoscopy-assisted suction, 71 experienced delayed discharge owing to various pulmonary complications, although none required reintubation. Conclusions: Bronchoscopy-assisted postoperative respiratory management was a promising strategy to prevent respiratory complications in patients with lung cancer and impaired cough strength. Our findings challenge the notion that weak airway competence is a contraindication for lung surgery. Early bronchoscopic intervention and diligent evaluation of airway secretions and cough strength offer substantial potential to improve patient outcomes.