Early mobilization programme improves functional capacity after major abdominal cancer surgery: a randomized
E P M de Almeida1, J P de Almeida2, G Landoni3
1Rehabilitation Department, Instituto do Cancer, Hospital das Clinicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil.
British Journal of Anaesthesia
|October 6, 2017
Summary
Supervised exercise programs after major abdominal oncology surgery improve patient functional capacity. This early mobilization approach is safe and feasible, reducing the need for walking assistance post-surgery.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Rehabilitation Medicine
- Exercise Physiology
Background:
- Major abdominal oncology surgery often leads to significant postoperative loss of functional capacity.
- Exercise interventions show promise for improving patient outcomes after surgery.
- Assessing the efficacy, feasibility, and safety of supervised postoperative exercise programs is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effectiveness of a supervised postoperative exercise program.
- To determine the feasibility of implementing such a program.
- To assess the safety of early mobilization and exercise in surgical oncology patients.
Main Methods:
- A single-blind, randomized trial was conducted with patients undergoing major abdominal oncology surgery.
- Participants were assigned to either an early mobilization program with supervised exercise or standard rehabilitation care.
- The primary outcome measured was the inability to walk without human assistance by postoperative day 5 or hospital discharge.
Main Results:
- The early mobilization group showed a significantly lower incidence of requiring walking assistance (16.7%) compared to the standard care group (38.9%).
- The intervention demonstrated an absolute risk reduction of 22.2% and a number needed to treat of 5.
- While the exercise program was feasible, patient performance varied; no significant differences in clinical outcomes or exercise-related complications were observed.
Conclusions:
- An early postoperative mobilization program with supervised exercises appears safe and feasible for patients undergoing major abdominal oncology surgery.
- This approach can enhance functional capacity in the postoperative period.
- Further research is needed to clarify the impact of this program on overall clinical outcomes.
