Objective: To evaluate the effects of diaphragmatic breathing exercise on pulmonary function and diaphragm excursion in patients who underwent laparoscopic surgery Materials and Methods: Twenty subject ( twelve men and eight women) who underwent laparoscopic surgery were randomly divided as follows: 10 subjects performed diaphragmatic breathing exercise, (other therapies like bronchial hygiene therapy, Thoracic mobility exercise and mobilization) and 10 participated as a control group. All of them underwent evaluations of pulmonary function test with measurement of forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV1), FEV1/ FVC ratio, peak expiratory flow (PEF) and diaphragm excursion by ultra songraphy before the operation and first, second postoperative day (POD). Results: Pulmonary function and diaphragm excursion values between preoperative and postoperative (first, second) days were found to be higher in the exercise group when compared to control group. Conclusions: Chest physiotherapy contributed towards early recovery of pulmonary function and diaphragm excursion among patients who had undergone laparoscopic surgery.

Keywords: Chest physiotherapy; Laparoscopic abdominal surgery; Diaphragmatic breathing exercise; Post operative period.