Prehabilitation: a new area of integration between geriatricians, anesthesiologists, and exercise therapists

Surgery in combination with risk factors such as poor physical and nutritional status have detrimental effects on short- and long-term aspects of recovery and quality of life, especially in elderly patients whose functional reserve is limited. Strategies to minimize these effects and accelerate return to baseline levels have focused on the intra- and post-operative period; however, this may not be the most opportune time to intervene. Instead, the preoperative period may be a more emotionally salient and physically enabling time to initiate an intervention aimed at attenuating surgical stress and enhancing recovery after surgery. The process of increasing patients' functional reserve in anticipation for surgery is referred to as prehabilitation. Elements of surgical prehabilitation programs include a structured exercise program consisting of both resistance and aerobic training, supplemented by flexibility exercises and nutritional optimization through counselling and supplementation. In general, individuals who are the least fit and the most sedentary have shown the most improvement when they initiate an exercise program. Since their physiologic reserve is limited, even small amounts of physical training can yield significant improvements. The interaction of physical activity and nutrition promotes anabolism, thereby preparing patients to better withstand the stress of surgery and subsequently mitigating the impact on postoperative outcome.

Systematic review of exercise training in colorectal cancer patients during treatment

Colorectal cancer surgery results in considerable postoperative morbidity, mortality and reduced quality of life. As many patients will undergo additional (neo)adjuvant therapy, it is imperative that each individual optimize their physical function. To elucidate the potential of exercise in patient optimization, we investigated the evidence for an exercise program before and after surgical treatment in colorectal cancer patients. A systematic review was conducted according to the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions, the guidelines of the Physical Therapy Journal and the PRISMA guidelines. No literature pertaining to exercise training during preoperative neoadjuvant treatment was found. Seven studies, investigating the effects of regular exercise during adjuvant chemotherapy for patients with colorectal cancer or a mixed population, were identified. A small effect (effect size (ES) 0.4) of endurance/interval training and strength training (ES 0.4) was found in two studies conducted in patients with colorectal and gastrointestinal cancer. In five studies that included a mixed population of cancer patients, interval training resulted in a large improvement (ES 1.5; P≤.05). Endurance training alone was found to increase both lower extremity strength and endurance capacity. The effects of strength training in the lower extremity are moderate, whereas, in the upper extremity, the increase is small. There is limited evidence available on exercise training during treatment in colorectal cancer patients. One study concluded exercise therapy may be beneficial for colorectal cancer patients during adjuvant treatment. The possible advantages of training during neoadjuvant treatment may be explored by prehabilitation trials.

Promoting a culture of prehabilitation for the surgical cancer patient

BACKGROUND

Traditional rehabilitative approaches to perioperative cancer care have focused on the postoperative period to facilitate the return to presurgical baseline conditions. However, there is some realization that the preoperative period can be a very effective time for intervention as the patients are more amenable to target their physiological condition to prepare to overcome the metabolic cost of the surgical stress.

METHODS

We undertook a narrative review of the current literature on surgical prehabilitation and discussed the current evidence of preoperative interventions before cancer surgery in order to increase physiological reserve before surgery and accelerate postoperative recovery.

RESULTS

Published data indicate the positive impact of prehabilitation on postoperative functional capacity and return to daily activities. However, the current evidence on the impact on short- and long-term clinical outcome is limited, and more research needs to be conducted.

CONCLUSION

Preliminary findings indicate that a group of interventions such as exercise, nutrition and anxiety reduction in the preoperative period can complement the enhanced recovery program and facilitate the return to baseline activities of daily living. It is not clear at this stage whether the preoperative increase in functional capacity mitigates the burden of postoperative morbidities and subsequent cancer therapies. Therefore, more research is warranted.

Multimodal prehabilitation improves functional capacity before and after colorectal surgery for cancer: a five-year research experience

BACKGROUND

Multimodal prehabilitation is a preoperative conditioning intervention in form of exercise, nutritional assessment, whey protein supplementation, and anxiety-coping technique. Despite recent evidence suggesting that prehabilitation could improve functional capacity in patients undergoing colorectal surgery for cancer, all studies were characterized by a relatively small sample size. The aim of this study was to confirm what was previously found in three small population trials.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Data of 185 participants enrolled in a pilot single group study and two randomized control trials conducted at the McGill University Health Center from 2010 to 2015 were reanalyzed. Subjects performing trimodal prehabilitation (exercise, nutrition, and coping strategies for anxiety) were compared to the patients who underwent the trimodal program only after surgery (rehabilitation/control group). Functional capacity was assessed with the six-minute walk test (6MWT), a measure of the distance walked over six minutes (6MWD). A significant functional improvement was defined as an increase in 6MWD from baseline by at least 19 m. Changes in 6MWD before surgery, at four and eight weeks were compared between groups.

RESULTS

Of the total study population, 113 subjects (61%) underwent prehabilitation. Changes in 6MWD in the prehabilitation group were higher compared to the rehabilitation/control group during the preoperative period {30.0 [standard deviation (SD) 46.7] m vs. -5.8 (SD 40.1) m, p < 0.001}, at four weeks [-11.2 (SD 72) m vs. -72.5 (SD 129) m, p < 0.01], and at eight weeks [17.0 (SD 84.0) m vs. -8.8 (SD 74.0) m, p = 0.047]. The proportion of subjects experiencing a significant preoperative improvement in physical fitness was higher in those patients who underwent prehabilitation [68 (60%) vs. 15 (21%), p < 0.001].

CONCLUSION

In large secondary analysis, multimodal prehabilitation resulted in greater improvement in walking capacity throughout the whole perioperative period when compared to rehabilitation started after surgery.

Preoperative modifiable risk factors in colorectal surgery: an observational cohort study identifying the possible value of prehabilitation

BACKGROUND

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the second most prevalent type of cancer in the world. Surgery is the most common therapeutic intervention, and associated with 20-40% reduction in physiological and functional capacity. Postoperative complications occur in up to 50% of patients resulting in higher mortality rates and greater hospital costs. The number and severity of complications is closely related to patients' preoperative performance status. The aim of this study was to identify the most important preoperative modifiable risk factors that could be part of a multimodal prehabilitation program.

METHODS

Prospectively collected data of a consecutive series of Dutch CRC patients undergoing colorectal surgery were analyzed. Modifiable risk factors were correlated to the Comprehensive Complication Index (CCI) and compared within two groups: none or mild complications (CCI <20), and severe complications (CCI ≥20). Multivariate logistic regression analysis was done to explore the combined effect of individual risk factors.

RESULTS

In this 139 patient cohort, smoking, malnutrition, alcohol consumption, neoadjuvant therapy, higher age, and male sex, were seen more frequently in the severe complications group (CCI ≥20). Patients with severe complications had significantly longer hospital stay (16 vs. 6 days, p < 0.001). The risk for severe complications was increased in patients with ASA score III [adjusted odds ratio (OR) 4.4, 95% CI 1.04-18.6], and hemoglobin level <7 mmol/l (adjusted OR 3.3, 95% CI 1.3-8.2). Compared to having no risk factors, more than one risk factor increased OR of severe complications (crude OR 5.2, 95% CI 1.8-15).

CONCLUSION

This study revealed that the risk of getting severe complications increases with the number of risk factors present preoperatively. Several preoperative patient-related risk factors are modifiable. Multimodal prehabilitation may improve patients' preoperative status and should be tested in a multicenter randomized controlled trial. With an international consortium (Copenhagen, Montreal, Paris, Eindhoven) we initiated a randomized controlled trial (NTR5947).

Preoperative functional assessment and optimization in surgical patient: changing the paradigm

Functional capacity has been shown to be a major determinant of surgical outcome since it is related to postoperative complications, activity and daily function, level of independence and quality of life. Anesthesiologists as "perioperative physicians", can identify those scoring systems that assess functional capacity, whether from the basic physical history and walk test to the most complex such as cardiopulmonary exercise testing, and formulate intraoperative and postoperative interventions (rehabilitation) to minimize the impact of surgery on the recovery process. Nevertheless, the preoperative period can be used as an opportune time to increase functional reserve in anticipation of surgery, thus enabling the patient to better withstand the metabolic cost of surgical stress (prehabilitation). There is a compelling evidence that prehabilitation programs, including physical exercise, nutritional optimization and relaxation strategies, can enhance preoperative physiological reserve, however further studies are needed to identify the most appropriate protocols for those patients at risk, and assess the impact of such programs on clinically meaningful surgical outcomes.

Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) for gastrointestinal surgery, part 2: consensus statement for anaesthesia practice

Background

The present interdisciplinary consensus review proposes clinical considerations and recommendations for anaesthetic practice in patients undergoing gastrointestinal surgery with an Enhanced Recovery after Surgery (ERAS) programme.

Methods

Studies were selected with particular attention being paid to meta‐analyses, randomized controlled trials and large prospective cohort studies. For each item of the perioperative treatment pathway, available English‐language literature was examined and reviewed. The group reached a consensus recommendation after critical appraisal of the literature.

Results

This consensus statement demonstrates that anaesthesiologists control several preoperative, intraoperative and postoperative ERAS elements. Further research is needed to verify the strength of these recommendations.

Conclusions

Based on the evidence available for each element of perioperative care pathways, the Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS ^®) Society presents a comprehensive consensus review, clinical considerations and recommendations for anaesthesia care in patients undergoing gastrointestinal surgery within an ERAS programme. This unified protocol facilitates involvement of anaesthesiologists in the implementation of the ERAS programmes and allows for comparison between centres and it eventually might facilitate the design of multi‐institutional prospective and adequately powered randomized trials.

Serum total estradiol, but not testosterone is associated with reduced bone mineral density (BMD) in HIV-infected men: a cross-sectional, observational study

SUMMARY

By investigating the relationship between serum testosterone, estradiol, and bone mineral density (BMD) in a large cohort of HIV-infected men, estradiol was associated with BMD, relative estrogen deficiency being involved in bone loss in men with hypogonadism, in addition to all HIV-related factors. Increased aromatization in adipose tissue does not counteract HIV-related bone loss.

INTRODUCTION

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the relationship between serum testosterone, estradiol, and BMD in a large cohort of HIV-infected men.

METHODS

We investigated biochemical, hormonal parameters, and BMD in 1204 HIV-infected men (age 45.64 ± 7.33 years) participating in a cross-sectional, observational study. Among other parameters, the main outcome measures were serum total testosterone and estradiol, gonadotropins, 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D], parathormone (PTH), calcium, phosphorous, femoral, and lumbar BMD.

RESULTS

In men with HIV, the prevalence of osteoporosis and osteopenia is 15.1 and 63.2% with 25(OH)D insufficiency being very common (60.1%). After age adjustment, BMD is positively associated with estradiol, but not testosterone, at linear (p < 0.001) and stepwise (p < 0.05) multiple regression. Lumbar BMD significantly increases across the estradiol quartiles but not among testosterone quartiles. Femoral and lumbar BMD are significantly higher in men with estradiol ≥ 27 pg/mL than in those with estradiol <27 pg/mL. Apart from estradiol, only age, calcium, and BMI predict BMD at stepwise linear multiple regression, but the strength of this association is weak.

CONCLUSIONS

Estradiol, but not testosterone, is associated with BMD in HIV-infected men and exerts a protective role on bone especially when it is above 27 pg/mL. Relative estrogen deficiency is a potential mechanism involved in bone loss in hypogonadal HIV-infected men, in addition to all HIV-related factors. Increased aromatization in adipose tissue does not counteract HIV-related bone loss. Finally, reduced BMD in young-to-middle-aged HIV-infected men might be considered a peculiar hallmark of HIV infection due to its relevant prevalence, representing one of the several pieces composing the complicated puzzle of premature aging related to HIV infection.

Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) for gastrointestinal surgery, part 1: pathophysiological considerations

BACKGROUND

The present article has been written to convey concepts of anaesthetic care within the context of an Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) programme, thus aligning the practice of anaesthesia with the care delivered by the surgical team before, during and after surgery.

METHODS

The physiological principles supporting the implementation of the ERAS programmes in patients undergoing major abdominal procedures are reviewed using an updated literature search and discussed by a multidisciplinary group composed of anaesthesiologists and surgeons with the aim to improve perioperative care.

RESULTS

The pathophysiology of some key perioperative elements disturbing the homoeostatic mechanisms such as insulin resistance, ileus and pain is here discussed.

CONCLUSIONS

Evidence-based strategies aimed at controlling the disruption of homoeostasis need to be evaluated in the context of ERAS programmes. Anaesthesiologists could, therefore, play a crucial role in facilitating the recovery process.

The six-minute walk test as a measure of postoperative recovery after colorectal resection: further examination of its measurement properties

INTRODUCTION

Patients, clinicians and researchers seek an easy, reproducible and valid measure of postoperative recovery. The six-minute walk test (6MWT) is a low-cost measure of physical function, which is a relevant dimension of recovery. The aim of the present study was to contribute further evidence for the validity of the 6MWT as a measure of postoperative recovery after colorectal surgery.

METHODS

This study involved a sample of 174 patients enrolled in three previous randomized controlled trials. Construct validity was assessed by testing the hypotheses that the distance walked in 6 min (6MWD) at 4 weeks after surgery is greater (1) in younger versus older patients, (2) in patients with higher preoperative physical status versus lower, (3) after laparoscopic versus open surgery, (4) in patients without postoperative complications versus with postoperative complications; and that 6MWD (5) correlates cross-sectionally with self-reported physical activity as measured with a questionnaire (CHAMPS). Statistical analysis was performed using linear regression and Spearman's correlation. The COnsensus-based Standards for the selection of health Measurement INstruments (COSMIN) checklist was used to guide the formulation of hypotheses and reporting of results.

RESULTS

One hundred and fifty-one patients who completed the 6MWT at 4 weeks after surgery were included in the analysis. All hypotheses tested for construct validity were supported by the data. Older age, poorer physical status, open surgery and occurrence of postoperative complications were associated with clinically relevant reduction in 6MWD (>19 m). There was a moderate positive correlation between 6MWD and patient-reported physical activity (r = 0.46).

CONCLUSIONS

This study contributes further evidence for the construct validity of the 6MWT as a measure of postoperative recovery after colorectal surgery. Results from this study support the use of the 6MWT as an outcome measure in studies evaluating interventions aimed to improve postoperative recovery.

Twenty-four hour hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamp improves postoperative nitrogen balance only in low insulin sensitivity patients following cardiac surgery

BACKGROUND

Critically ill patients often suffer from a protein catabolic state. The aim of this study was to demonstrate that nitrogen balance (NB) in cardiac patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) is related to their insulin sensitivity level and that supraphysiologic doses of insulin can restore anabolism.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Twenty-eight patients that were admitted to ICU in enteral and/or parenteral nutrition have been enrolled in this study. All patients received a standard nutrition protocol for at least 3 days before starting the study. These patients received either enteral or parenteral nutrition based on 1.4 kcal/kg/h and 1.1 g/kg/24 h of proteins. Participants were studied for three 24 h periods (P1 , P2 , and P3 ). Twenty-four hour NB was calculated from urinary urea nitrogen excretion, fixed protein and energy intake during each of the three periods (P1 , P2 , and P3 ). Simultaneous to P2, a 24 h hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamp (HEC) was performed to determine patients' insulin sensitivity (IS) or insulin resistance (IR), as well as the impact of high doses of insulin on NB.

RESULTS

Nitrogen balance remained consistently positive in the IS group regardless of the clamp. In IR patients, NB was negative before the clamp and became positive during P2 and P3 . Insulin sensitivity improved during the HEC in IR patients (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

A negative NB was found only in insulin resistant patients admitted to the ICU for more than 7 days. A 24-h period HEC improved NB in these patients.

Optimization of surgical outcomes with prehabilitation

The concept of preparing surgical candidates with various modalities designed to increase physical, physiological, metabolic, and psychosocial reserves is known as prehabilitation. Prehabilitation has garnered significant attention in recent years as evidence grows describing benefits to clinical and quality of life outcomes. Recent research examining hospital length of stay and readmission rates provides promising findings with respect to the value of prehabilitation in economic and sustainable healthcare models. The role of prehabilitation across the surgical experience exploits common surgical wait-times and the teachable moment that many patients experience upon the identification of a surgical requirement to improve the pre-, peri-, and postoperative experience. Prehabilitation incorporates numerous systemic and regional approaches to conditioning the surgical candidate. These include exercise, nutrition, education, and/or psychosocial approaches that are intended to improve preoperative fitness and preparedness. Importantly, this also promotes and facilitates health behaviour changes not only preoperatively but during the postoperative period and over the long-term. In this paper, we briefly review the historical and current perspectives on prehabilitation and comment on opportunities for greater clinical and empirical understanding in this field.

Meta-analysis of the effect of goal-directed therapy on bowel function after abdominal surgery

Background

Intraoperative goal-directed therapy (GDT) was introduced to titrate intravenous fluids, with or without inotropic drugs, based on objective measures of hypovolaemia and cardiac output measurements to improve organ perfusion. This meta-analysis aimed to determine the effect of GDT on the recovery of bowel function after abdominal surgery.

Methods

MEDLINE, Embase, the Cochrane Library and PubMed databases were searched for randomized clinical trials and cohort studies, from January 1989 to June 2013, that compared patients who did, or did not, receive intraoperative GDT, and reported outcomes on the recovery of bowel function. Time to first flatus and first bowel motion, time to tolerate oral diet, postoperative nausea and vomiting, and primary postoperative ileus were included.

Results

Thirteen trials with 1399 patients were included in the analysis. GDT shortened the time to the first bowel motion (weighted mean difference (WMD −0·67, 95 per cent c.i. −1·23 to −0·11; P = 0·020) and time to tolerate oral intake (WMD −0·95, −1·81 to −0·10; P = 0·030), and reduced postoperative nausea and vomiting (risk difference −0·15, −0·26 to −0·03; P = 0·010). When only high-quality studies were included, GDT reduced only the time to tolerate oral intake (WMD −1·18, −2·03 to −0·33; P = 0·006). GDT was more effective outside enhanced recovery programmes and in patients undergoing colorectal surgery.

Conclusion

GDT facilitated the recovery of bowel function, particularly in patients not treated within enhanced recovery programmes and in those undergoing colorectal operations.

Prehabilitation to enhance perioperative care

Patients who are elderly, malnourished, anxious, and have a low physical function before surgery are likely to have suboptimal recovery from cancer surgery. A multimodal prehabilitation program is proposed, consisting of exercise training and nutritional and psychological support, which increases physiologic reserve before the stress of surgery. This interventional approach seems to improve ability to undergo the stress of surgery and faster recovery. The integration of exercise, adequate nutrition, and psychosocial components, with medical and pharmacologic optimization in the presurgical period, deserves to receive more attention by clinicians to elucidate the most effective interventions.

Regional anesthesia and enhanced recovery after surgery

Regional anesthesia is associated with recognized physiological advantages; however trials evaluating its impact on postoperative outcomes have shown contrasting results, probably because these effects have not been utilized in a multimodal perioperative care program. Enhanced recovery has attracted clinical interest because of its standardized, coordinated, multidisciplinary perioperative care plan that incorporates several evidenced-based interventions with positive influence on postoperative patient recovery. A critical analysis of the published evidence is here presented in order to understand the role of regional anesthesia and analgesia as part of the multidisciplinary components of the enhanced recovery program. Clearly, there are synergistic benefits derived from integrating specific regional anesthetic and analgesic techniques with other perioperative elements characteristic of a particular surgical procedure. This challenge requires a team approach in delivering such integrated care, ultimately providing the best cure for patient.

Optimizing a frail elderly patient for radical cystectomy with a prehabilitation program

The purpose of this case report is to discuss the positive impact of a multimodal prehabilitation program on postoperative recovery of a frail patient undergoing radical cystectomy. An 85-year-old man with significant history for poorly controlled type II diabetes, anemia, chronic renal failure, and glaucoma was found to have muscle invasive urothelial carcinoma of the bladder with hydronephrosis. He was scheduled for elective radical cystoprostatectomy and ileal conduit diversion. He was enrolled in a multimodal prehabilitation program in view of his frailty (Fried score = 5), 15% body weight loss, weak grip strength, severe depression and moderate anxiety, poor nutritional status (patient-generated subjective global assessment [PG-SGA] = B), low functional walking capacity (6-minute walking test [6MWT] = 210 metres, predicted 621 metres). The 4-week program included moderate aerobic and resistant exercises, nutritional counselling with whey protein supplementation (20 g/day), and relaxation exercises. Surgery and the postoperative period were uneventful, although he required treatment of his hyperglycemia and hypomagnesemia. He left the hospital on postoperative day 7 and returned home where he continued the multimodal program for 8 weeks. Measurements of 6MWT, Health-Related Quality of Life (SF-36), physical activity, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), were conducted at baseline, before surgery and at 4 and 8 weeks after surgery. These tests revealed a progressive remarkable improvement before surgery that continued after surgery.

Consensus guidelines for enhanced recovery after gastrectomy: Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS®) Society recommendations

BACKGROUND

Application of evidence-based perioperative care protocols reduces complication rates, accelerates recovery and shortens hospital stay. Presently, there are no comprehensive guidelines for perioperative care for gastrectomy.

METHODS

An international working group within the Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS®) Society assembled an evidence-based comprehensive framework for optimal perioperative care for patients undergoing gastrectomy. Data were retrieved from standard databases and personal archives. Evidence and recommendations were classified according to the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) system and were discussed until consensus was reached within the group. The quality of evidence was rated 'high', 'moderate', 'low' or 'very low'. Recommendations were graded as 'strong' or 'weak'.

RESULTS

The available evidence has been summarized and recommendations are given for 25 items, eight of which contain procedure-specific evidence. The quality of evidence varies substantially and further research is needed for many issues to improve the strength of evidence and grade of recommendations.

CONCLUSION

The present evidence-based framework provides comprehensive advice on optimal perioperative care for the patient undergoing gastrectomy and facilitates multi-institutional prospective cohort registries and adequately powered randomized trials for further research.

Validation of the SF-36 as a measure of postoperative recovery after colorectal surgery

INTRODUCTION

Surgery is evolving, and new techniques are introduced to improve "recovery." Postoperative recovery is complex, and evaluating the effectiveness of surgical innovations requires assessment of patient-reported outcomes. The Short-Form-36 (SF-36), a generic health-related quality of life questionnaire, is the most commonly used instrument in this context. The objective of this study was to contribute evidence for the validity of the SF-36 as a metric of postoperative recovery.

METHODS

Data from 128 patients undergoing planned colorectal surgery at one university hospital between 2005 and 2010 were analyzed. In the absence of a gold standard, the responsiveness and construct validity (known groups and convergent) of the SF-36 were evaluated. Standardized response means were computed for the former and non-parametric tests were used to assess the statistical significance of the changes observed. Multiple linear regression was used to determine whether the SF-36 discriminates between patients with versus without complications and between laparoscopic and open surgery (known groups); correlations between the SF-36 and the 6-min walk test, a measure of functional walking capacity (convergent) was investigated with Spearman's rank correlation.

RESULTS

The SF-36 was sensitive to clinically important changes. Scores on six of eight domains and the physical component summary score deteriorated postoperatively (SRM 0.86 for the PCS, p < 0.01) and improved to baseline thereafter. Patients with complications had significantly lower scores on five SF-36 domains (with differences from -9 (-18, -1), p = 0.04 to -18 (-32, -2), p = 0.03), and scores on all subscales were lower than those in a healthy population (p < 0.01 to p = 0.04). The SF-36 did not differentiate between laparoscopic and open surgery. Physical functioning scores correlated with 6MWT distance at 1 and 2 months (Spearman's r = 0.31 and 0.36, p < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

The SF-36 is responsive to expected physiological changes in the postoperative period, demonstrates construct validity, and thus constitutes a valid measure of postoperative recovery after planned colorectal surgery. The SF-36 did not, however, discriminate between recovery after laparoscopic and open surgery.