Surgical treatment is carried out with the aim of reducing, halting the progression of,
or treating certain pathological conditions in the human body by removing some tissue or
organs from the body. Wedge resection is considered an effective method for the treatment
of lung cancer. The wedge resection method is utilized in both malignant and
non-malignant pulmonary pathologies (such as bronchiectasis, aspergilloma,
non-tuberculous mycobacteria, tuberculosis, fungal infections, inflammatory pseudotumors,
hydatid cyst, and benign masses). Following surgical procedures such as VATS and wedge
resection, side effects and complications such as atelectasis, pneumonia, acute
respiratory distress syndrome, prolonged air leakage, chylothorax, sepsis, pneumothorax,
pulmonary embolism, empyema, bronchopleural fistula, pain, anxiety, dyspnea, fatigue, and
insomnia can occur.Non-pharmacological methods are observed to increase comfort and
control in patients, thereby enhancing their quality of life. Non-pharmacological
interventions such as music therapy, hot or cold therapy, hypnosis, aromatherapy,
massage, progressive relaxation exercises, deep breathing exercises, pursed lip
breathing, yoga, and meditation can be employed in the management of postoperative
symptoms such as pain, anxiety, dyspnea, insomnia, and fatigue. Studies involving
breathing exercises have shown that they reduce anxiety and pain scores after exercise.
Alternate nostril breathing, a yoga practice, is considered one of the best breathing
exercises for health and fitness. It has positive effects on dyspnea, anxiety, stress,
and sleep disorders. Breathing exercises aim to improve individuals' quality of life and
mitigate the effects of the disease, providing inexpensive and side-effect-free
practices.Nurses should empower individuals to better manage symptoms such as
experiencing less pain, reduced anxiety, alleviation or reduction of dyspnea, insomnia,
fatigue, and other symptoms following surgical procedures. No study has been found that
examines the effect of alternative nostril breathing exercises on pain, anxiety, dyspnea,
fatigue, and insomnia symptoms in patients undergoing lung surgery. Our study aims to
contribute to the literature by evaluating the effect of breathing exercises on pain,
anxiety, dyspnea, and insomnia in patients undergoing lung resection and VATS
procedures.Therefore, this study is planned to determine the effect of breathing
exercises on pain, anxiety, dyspnea, and insomnia in patients undergoing lung resection
and VATS procedures in a public hospital.