After surgery, your lungs need to expand. That is why your deep breathing exercises (Respiratory Therapy) are critical to your recovery. While in surgery the ventilator was breathing for you. It caused your lungs to retain the water vapor normally expelled when you exhale. This excess water in your lungs must be expelled. Respiratory Therapy exercises and coughing help to do this. Each time you cough your lungs press outward against your ribcage and sternum in all directions (percussive expansion). This puts stress on the wound closure and can be painful. Unsupported, the wound closure is at risk of coming apart and can lead to wound complications.
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