[Rehabilitation after surgery for gastrointestinal malignant tumors]

In Germany every year about 100,000 people develop a malignant tumor of the gastrointestinal tract. Only few of them are included in a structured rehabilitation program after surgery. The aim of such a rehabilitation program is to minimize the sequels of gastrointestinal tumor disease and its treatment and influence on the daily life of patients. Malnutrition is a common symptom of tumor manifestation, especially in the gastrointestinal tract. It is important to establish the diagnosis of malnutrition and to treat such patients with nutritional support.Fatigue and impairment of physical performance are serious problems of cancer patients. Particularly in the recovery phase immediately after treatment, low physical performance imposes limitations on basic daily activities. An active aerobic training program can improve the physical performance and fitness in a short time. Deficits and symptoms depend on tumor stage and localisation. A specialised team is necessary to treat all the possible symptoms and complications after cancer surgery. Patients have to be informed precisely about structural and functional deficits due to tumor operation. Only the well informed patient will comply to the suggested treatment.