ObjectiveTo explore the effects of Baduanjin combined with breathing exercises and bedside cycle training on the recovery of lung function in patients after thoracoscopic surgery for lung cancer. MethodsPatients who underwent thoracoscopic radical surgery for lung cancer at the Huaihe Hospital of Henan University from January 2024 to January 2025 were selected. Through the random number table method, patients were randomly divided into a Baduanjin combined with breathing exercises group (experimental group) and a bedside cycle group (control group). The changes in lung function indicators, pain levels, exercise endurance, cellular immunity, and inflammatory factor levels before and after rehabilitation training in both groups were compared to evaluate the clinical effects of the two rehabilitation methods. ResultsA total of 100 patients were included, with 52 in the experimental group, including 28 males and 24 females, with an average age of (57.50±7.15) years; and 48 in the control group, including 26 males and 22 females, with an average age of (57.80±6.40) years. There was no statistical difference in baseline data between the two groups (P＞0.05). In the experimental group, the forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) [(2.48±0.32) L vs. (2.00±0.27) L, P＜0.001], forced vital capacity (FVC) [(3.55±0.42) L vs. (2.95±0.34) L, P＜0.001], and FEV1/FVC (69.9%±3.8% vs. 67.8%±3.6%, P=0.006) were higher, pain scores were lower [(1.4±0.4) points vs. (2.0±0.5) points, P＜0.001], 6-minute walking distance was longer [(432.35±30.84) m vs. (411.82±33.75) m, P=0.002], CD4+/CD8+ ratio was higher (1.72±0.32 vs. 1.52±0.29, P=0.002), and levels of tumor necrosis factor-α [(8.1±1.8) pg/mL vs. (9.2±2.1) pg/mL, P=0.006] and interleukin-6 [(8.3±2.1) ng/L vs. (10.1±2.7) ng/L, P＜0.001] were lower. ConclusionThe combination of Baduanjin and breathing exercises is superior to bedside stationary bike training in improving lung function, reducing pain levels, enhancing exercise endurance, decreasing pro-inflammatory factor levels, and boosting immune function in patients post-thoracotomy for lung cancer. As a equipment-free, low-cost, and easy-to-implement rehabilitation method, it holds high clinical application value, offering a more scientific and economical option for postoperative lung cancer patients' pulmonary rehabilitation.
Objective To compare the differences in postoperative pulmonary function and quality of life between synchronous and combined mediastinoscopy with laparoscopic radical resection of esophageal cancer, providing evidence for selecting the optimal surgical approach. Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on patients who underwent minimally invasive mediastinoscopic esophagectomy at Huaihe Hospital of Henan University from January 2023 to January 2025. Patients were divided into two groups based on surgical approach: the synchronized laparoscopic inflatable mediastinoscopy (SPIMSLE) group and the inflatable video-assisted mediastinoscopic transhiatal esophagectomy (IVMTE) group. Propensity score matching (1 : 1) was applied to balance baseline characteristics. Perioperative indicators, pulmonary function (FEV1, FVC, FEV1/FVC ratio), postoperative complications, pain levels (NRS score), and quality of life were statistically analyzed. Results A total of 173 patients were enrolled, including 110 males, 63 females with a mean age of (62.5±6.2) years. After matching, each group comprised 80 patients. No significant differences were observed in gender, age, tumor location, or clinical stage (all P>0.05). The SPIMSLE group demonstrated superior outcomes: shorter operative time [(100.32±15.28) vs. (134.53±16.43) min, P<0.001], less intraoperative blood loss [(40.13±12.73) mL vs. (69.45±12.34) mL, P<0.001), and shorter postoperative hospitalization [(10.50±2.00) d vs. (12.50±2.50) d, P<0.001]. At 1-6 months postoperatively, the SPIMSLE group showed faster recovery in pulmonary function (FEV1, FVC, FEV1/FVC ratio, P<0.05), lower complication rates (16.25% vs. 40%, P<0.001), reduced pain (NRS score, P<0.05), and improved quality of life (P<0.05). No significant difference was noted in lymph node dissection (P>0.05). All patients were followed up until June 2025, with no recurrence, metastasis, or mortality among the 160 cases. Conclusion Compared to IVMTE, SPIMSLE offers shorter operative time, reduced blood loss, faster pulmonary recovery, fewer complications, milder pain, and better quality of life, demonstrating significant clinical advantages.