Abstract: Objective To summarize experience of nursing for thoracic breathing reconstruction in patients after cervical spinal cord injury (CSCI). Methods 6 cases accepting thoracic breathing reconstruction in our hospital from March 2013 to June 2014 were reviewed from 1 week before operation to 4 weeks after operation. Results All the patients, aged (41.7±16.2) years, received tracheotomy (6.0±5.8) days after injury because of weakened cough, retention of respiratory secretions and dyspnea; the ventilator was used for (45.3±25.9) days, and they received thoracic breathing reconstruction surgery (84±26.7) days after injury. Their vital capacity was (1085±92) ml before operation and was (1680±283) ml 2 weeks after operation with 55% increment (P<0.01). Only 1 patient underwent a delayed wound healing. No pulmonary infection, urinary tract infections and pressure sore occurred until 4 weeks after operation. Conclusion Enhancement of airway care and prevention of pressure sore are the keys to reduce postoperative complications of thoracic breathing reconstruction.

Key words: cervical spinal cord injury, respiratory function reconstruction, nursing, complications