Walking to a better future? Postoperative ambulation after cesarean delivery and complications: A prospective study

Activity Restrictions After Gynecologic Surgery

Gynecologic surgeons have traditionally restricted the physical activity of postoperative patients. Minimally invasive surgery and enhanced recovery after surgery programs have contributed to decreased hospital stays and more expeditious recovery. In this narrative review, we review the current state of postoperative activity restrictions in gynecology and other specialties, the purported risks and potential benefits of postoperative activity, the available evidence to refute or support activity in the postoperative activity, and, finally, the potential benefit of added activity in the postoperative period.

Actual physical activity after major abdominal cancer surgery: Far from optimal

BACKGROUND

Enhanced recovery after surgery protocols emphasize the importance of early postoperative mobilization. However, literature quantifying actual physical activity after major abdominal cancer surgery is scarce and inconclusive.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A single-center prospective cohort study was conducted at the University Medical Center Groningen from 2019 to 2021. Patients' postoperative physical activity was measured using an accelerometer, with the primary aim of assessing daily physical activity. Secondary aims were identifying patient-related factors associated with low physical activity and studying the consequences of low physical activity in terms of complication rate and length of hospital stay.

RESULTS

143 patients included (48 % male; mean age 65 years), 38.5 %, 24.5 %, 19.6 %, and 14 % underwent pancreatic, hepatic, colorectal, or cytoreductive surgery with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy, respectively. Median daily step count was low; from median 71 steps on the first to 918 steps on the seventh postoperative day. An association between physical activity and age (OR 3.597, p = 0.013), preoperative weight loss ≥10 % (OR 4.984, p = 0.004), Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status ≥2 (OR 4.016, p = 0.001), midline laparotomy (OR 2.851, p = 0.025), and operation duration (OR 1.003, p = 0.044) was found. An association was observed between physical activity and the occurrence of complications (OR 3.197, p = 0.039) and prolonged hospital stay (β 4.068, p = 0.013).

CONCLUSION

Postoperative physical activity is low in patients undergoing major abdominal cancer surgery and is linked to postoperative outcomes. Although physical activity should be encouraged in all patients, patient-specific risk factors were identified that can aid early recognition of patients at risk of low physical activity.

The effects of intrathecal morphine on urinary bladder function and recovery in patients having a cesarean delivery - A randomized clinical trial

INTRODUCTION

Spinal anesthesia with intrathecal morphine (ITM) is a common anesthesia technique for cesarean delivery. The hypothesis was that the addition of ITM will delay micturition in women undergoing cesarean delivery.

METHODS

Fifty-six ASA physical status I and II women scheduled to undergo elective cesarean delivery under spinal anesthesia were randomized to the PSM group (50 mg prilocaine + 2.5 mcg sufentanil + 100 mcg morphine; n = 30) or PS group (50 mg prilocaine + 2.5 mcg sufentanil; n = 24). The patients in the PS group received a bilateral transverse abdominal plane (TAP) block. The primary outcome was the effect of ITM on the time to micturition and the secondary outcome was the need for bladder re-catheterization.

RESULTS

The time to first urge to urinate (8 [6-10] hours in the PSM group versus 6 [4-6] hours in the PS group) and the time to first micturition (10 [8-12] hours in the PSM group versus 6 [6-8] hours in the PS group) were significantly (p < 0.001) prolonged in the PSM group. Two patients in the PSM group met the 800 mL criterium for urinary catheterization after 6 and 8 h respectively.

CONCLUSION

This study is the first randomized trial to demonstrate that the addition of ITM to the standardized mixture of prilocaine and sufentanil significantly delayed micturition.

Utilization of Wearable Pedometer Devices in the Perioperative Period: A Qualitative Systematic Review

Functional capacity assessment is important for perioperative risk stratification; however, there are currently limited options for objective and economical functional capacity evaluation. Pedometer functions are now widely available in mobile devices and offer a nonintrusive and objective approach to measuring patient activity level over time. Therefore, we conducted this systematic review to assess the value of pedometer readings in predicting perioperative outcomes. We systematically searched PubMed, EMBASE (Ovid), Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), and Web of Science Citation Index for studies, which assessed the correlation between perioperative (30 days before to 30 days after surgery) pedometer data and perioperative outcomes. We identified a total of 18 studies for inclusion. Seven of the studies recorded preoperative pedometer data, and 13 studies recorded postoperative pedometer data. Notably, 10 of the studies covered oncologic surgery patients. The included studies consistently reported that preoperative pedometer readings correlated with postoperative complication rates. In addition, in-hospital postoperative pedometer readings correlated with postdischarge complications and readmissions. Perioperative pedometer data demonstrated consistent and biologically plausible association with perioperative outcomes. Further studies are needed to validate the use of pedometer in the perioperative period and to identify the optimal approach for its use to potentially improve patient outcomes.

Early mobilization in enhanced recovery after surgery pathways: current evidence and recent advancements

Early mobilization is a crucial component of enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) pathways that counteract the adverse physiological consequences of surgical stress and immobilization. Early mobilization reduces the risk of postoperative complications, accelerates the recovery of functional walking capacity, positively impacts several patient-reported outcomes and reduces hospital length of stay, thereby reducing care costs. Modifiable barriers to early mobilization include a lack of education and a lack of resources. Education and clinical decision-making tools can improve compliance with ERAS mobilization recommendations and create a culture that prioritizes perioperative physical activity. Recent advances include real-time feedback of mobilization quantity using wearable technology and combining ERAS with exercise prehabilitation. ERAS guidelines should emphasize the benefits of structured postoperative mobilization.