Purpose: Inspiratory and expiratory muscles? weakness affects lung volume and is related to functional limitation. Decreased functional capacity is observed early in patients undergoing oncological abdominal surgery. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between preoperative respiratory muscle strength and postoperative functional capacity in patients undergoing oncological abdominal surgery.

Methods: Twenty-one individuals (age=60.4±13.9 years) who underwent gastric, colorectal, pancreatic, and liver oncological surgery were included in the study. The functional capacity was measured using the 6 Minute Walking Test (6MWT) and the Time Up Go Test (TUG). Respiratory muscle strength was evaluated using a mouth pressure device.

Results: A significant relationship was found between preoperative MIP and postoperative 6MWT distance (r=0.774, p=0.001) and TUG duration (r=-0.686, p=0.001). MEP and 6 MWT distance (r=0.736, p=0.001) and TUG duration (r=-0.585, p=0.005) were significantly associated.

Conclusion: This study shows that higher respiratory muscle strength during the preoperative period may provide better postoperative functional capacity in oncological abdominal surgery patients. Respiratory muscle strength training should be considered in patients undergoing oncological abdominal surgery to improve respiratory muscle strength in the preoperative period.

Keywords: Oncological surgery, respiratory muscle strength, functional capacity