BACKGROUND: Minimally invasive surgery combined with enhanced recovery programmes has improved outcomes after lung cancer surgery and where early mobilisation may be an important factor. However, little is known about pulmonary function and oxygenation during mobilisation after video-assisted pulmonary lobectomy. The aim of this prospective pilot cohort study was to explore the effect of postural changes (from supine to sitting to standing) on pulmonary function and oxygen saturation in a well-defined enhanced recovery programmes setting after video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery lobectomy.

METHODS: A total of 24 patients were evaluated daily for postoperative pain score, pulmonary function (forced expiratory volume 1 s) and oxygen saturation in supine, sitting and standing position from 6 h after surgery to 6 h after chest drain removal.

RESULTS: Mobilisation from supine to standing position showed a significant 7.9% increase (p = 0.04) in forced expiratory volume in 1 s percentage and oxygen saturation about 1.8% (p< 0.001) without increasing pain (p = 0.809).

CONCLUSIONS: Early mobilisation should be encouraged to enhance recovery after video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery lobectomy by increasing lung function and oxygen delivery.

TRIAL REGISTRATION: • Name of the registry: clinicaltrials.gov • Trial registration number: NCT04508270 • Date of registration: August 11, 2020.