Early mobilization after pancreatic surgery: A randomized controlled trial.

Area of Science:

• Surgical Oncology
• Gastroenterology
• Rehabilitation Medicine

Background:

• Pancreatic surgery is associated with significant postoperative morbidity.
• Early mobilization is proposed to mitigate complications and enhance recovery.
• High-quality evidence on early mobilization protocols and their impact is limited.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effectiveness of an early enforced mobilization protocol.
• To assess its impact on reducing postoperative complications in pancreatic surgery patients.
• To determine its role in enhancing patient recovery.

Main Methods:

• A single-blind, randomized trial involving 135 pancreatic surgery patients.
• Intervention group received early mobilization with professional and family support.
• Control group received usual care; primary outcome was the Comprehensive Complication Index.

Main Results:

• No significant difference in the Comprehensive Complication Index between groups.
• Intervention group showed earlier first ambulation and increased walking distances.
• Improved time to gastrointestinal function recovery and patient-reported outcomes observed.

Conclusions:

• Early enforced mobilization did not decrease overall postoperative complications.
• The protocol effectively enhanced early postoperative mobility.
• It also improved gastrointestinal function recovery and patient-perceived quality of recovery.