Sputum elimination in prone position in prevention of pulmonary infection after esophageal cancer operation

Objective To investigate the predominance of sputum elimination in prone position after esophagus cancer operation. Methods A total of 96 cases of esophageal cancer undergoing radical resection and with no sputum elimination contraindications were randomly divided into a prone position group and a sitting group. The effects of these two groups were observed. Results The oxygen saturation of the two groups increased significantly and was better in the prone position group than in the control group after sputum elimination (P<0.05). There was no significant effect on respiration, blood pressure, and heart rate. The were no statistical differences in PCT and CRP between these two groups before the treatment. After 5 d treatment, the PCT and CRP were significantly lower in the prone position group than in the sitting group [ (0.69±0.27) ng/ml vs. (0.72±0.21) ng/ml and (60.82±17.65) mg/L vs. (70.64±16.28) mg/L, both P<0.05]. The volume of sputum elimination was higher in the prone position group than in the sitting group [ (78.81±12.77) ml/d vs. (61.7±9.45) ml/d, P<0.05]. The rale disappeared faster and the disease course was shorter in the prone position group than in the sitting group (P<0.05) . Conclusion Sputum elimination in prone position in the prevention of pulmonary infection is safe and effective. It has a more advantages in reducing pulmonary infection than sputum elimination in sitting position. Key words: Esophageal cancer; Prone position; Prone position on sputum elimination; Pulmonary infection