BACKGROUND: To evaluate different techniques of physiotherapy performed after lung resection via thoracotomy, thanks to a medical literature survey. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A bibliographic search (PubMed, Pascal, Cochrane, PEDro) for English language articles dating from 1980 yielded 32 articles. There were 24 studies (among which 18 were prospective randomized controlled; 5 were case series without controls and 1 was based from a cohort) and 8 synthesis reviews (among which 5 were systematic; 1 was non-systematic; 1 were based from a consensus conference and 1 were based from evidence-based clinical practice guidelines). RESULTS: (1) Definite benefit validated by the scientific search: transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation, non invasive ventilation. (2) Benefit non validated by the scientific search because methodology (p or sample size): chest physiotherapy, high frequency percussive ventilation, positive expiratory pressure. (3) Benefit non validated by the scientific search because methodology (trial without control group): nebulisation, massage, chest wall compression. (4) No benefit validated by scientific search: incentive spirometry. CONCLUSION: A little techniques of physiotherapy are validated in the framework of pulmonary resection. However, a lot of studies are still to be done in order to enhance the scientific quality of the techniques used by the physiotherapist, to better outcomes after lung resection.

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