Optimization of surgical outcomes with prehabilitation

Gastrointestinal Surgical Patient and Multidisciplinary Healthcare Provider Beliefs and Practices Around Perioperative Nutrition: A Mixed-Methods Study

INTRODUCTION

Nutrition is critical to gastrointestinal (GI) disease prevention and treatment, including operations, yet perioperative nutrition practices vary widely. We aimed to understand GI surgical patient and health care provider's perioperative nutrition beliefs and practices.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We used a mixed-methods approach, including a patient survey (n = 19), provider survey (n = 26), and semistructured interviews with a subset of providers (n = 15). Providers included surgeons, gastroenterologists, medical oncologists, advanced practice providers, and dietitians. Provider interviews were transcribed, iteratively coded, and thematically analyzed. Quantitative and qualitative data were integrated.

RESULTS

94.7% of patients and 100% of providers surveyed believe that nutrition affects outcomes. Patients seek nutrition information from diverse resources (73.7% from websites or blogs, 42.1% from documentaries, and 36.8% from books or /magazines) and people (52.6% from family members, 42.1% from a significant other, partner, or spouse, and 36.8% from a dietitian or nutritionist). Providers cited a lack of quality information, misinformation, and inconsistency among health care providers as barriers to high-quality nutrition care. Both patients and providers noted that nutritional supplements have drawbacks, with 100% of patients and 96.2% of providers expressing interest in house- made plant-based protein smoothie or soup alternatives.

CONCLUSIONS

This study led to the development of a multidisciplinary task force, which has collaborated on multiple interventions to improve inpatient perioperative surgical nutrition (e.g., smoothie pilot and postoperative menu revisions).

Prehabilitation: The underutilised weapon for chronic pain management

Objective

Prehabilitation encompasses preparatory clinical intervention(s) delivered during the period between diagnosis and treatment commencement. Despite widespread successful usage preoperatively, psychological prehabilitation is neglected in outpatient chronic pain management. Although pain management waitlists are associated with treatment attrition and psychological and physical decline, this time window is underutilised in preventing escalation. Waitlists present an under-explored opportunity to 'prehabilitate' patients waiting for treatment. This topical review aimed to: (1) examine the effectiveness of psychological prehabilitation for pain services; (2) evaluate the psychological and physical decline associated with waiting for pain management; (3) highlight key psychological prehabilitative targets for increasing treatment engagement; (4) promote pain management psychological prehabilitation within personalised pain medicine, building recommendations for future interventions.

Methods

Studies regarding the impact of waitlists and prehabilitation for chronic pain were reviewed.

Results

Findings demonstrated that the psychological constructs of patient expectations, health locus of control, self-efficacy and pain catastrophizing dynamically influence attrition, treatment engagement and outcomes while waiting. These constructs are amenable to change, emphasising their potential utility within a targeted waitlist intervention.

Conclusions

Prehabilitating chronic pain patients towards treatment engagement could circumvent cycles of failed treatment seeking, preventing psychological and physical decline, and reducing healthcare utilisation. Utilising the waitlist to identify psychosocial risk factors (external health locus of control, low self-efficacy and high pain catastrophizing) would identify who requires additional support to prevent increased risk of treatment failure, enhancing personalised care before prescribed treatment is accessed. This review cements the urgent need for pain services to engage proactively with prehabilitation innovation.

Health professional attitudes and perceptions of prehabilitation and nutrition before haematopoietic cell transplantation

BACKGROUND

Nutritional prehabilitation may improve haematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) outcomes, although little evidence exists. The present study aimed to understand healthcare professional (HCP) perceptions of prehabilitation and nutritional care pre-HCT in UK centres.

METHODS

An anonymous online survey (developed and refined via content experts and piloting) was administered via email to multidisciplinary HCPs in 39 UK adult centres, between July 2021 and June 2022. Data are presented as proportions of responses. Routine provision denotes that care was provided >70% of time.

RESULTS

Seventy-seven percent (n = 66) of HCPs, representing 61.5% (n = 24) of UK adult HCT centres, responded. All HCPs supported prehabilitation, proposing feasible implementation between induction chemotherapy (60.4%; n = 40) and first HCT clinic (83.3%; n = 55). Only 12.5% (n = 3) of centres had a dedicated prehabilitation service. Nutrition (87.9%; n = 58), emotional wellbeing (92.4%; n = 61) and exercise (81.8%; n = 54) were considered very important constituents. HCPs within half of the HCT centres (n = 12 centres) reported routine use of nutrition screening pre-HCT with a validated tool; 66.7% of HCPs (n = 36) reported using the malnutrition universal screening tool (MUST). Sixty-two percent (n = 41) of HCPs reported those at risk, received nutritional assessments, predominantly by dietitians (91.6%; n = 22) using the dietetic care process (58.3%; n = 14). Body mass index (BMI) was the most frequently reported body composition measure used by HCPs (70.2%, n = 33). Of 59 respondents, non-dietitians most routinely provided dietary advice pre-HCT (82.4%; n = 28 vs. 68%; n = 17, p = 0.2); including high-energy/protein/fat and neutropenic diet advice. Prophylactic enteral feeding pre-HCT was rare, indicated by low BMI and significant unintentional weight loss. Just under half (n = 25 of 59, 42.4%) HCPs reported exercise advice was given routinely pre-HCT.

CONCLUSIONS

Nutrition and prehabilitation pre-HCT are considered important and deliverable by HCPs, but current provision in UK centres is limited and inconsistent.

Implementing a nurse-led prehabilitation program for patients undergoing spinal surgery

ABSTRACT

Prehabilitation, or "prehab," helps patients optimize strength, function, and nutrition before surgery. This evidence-based practice project presents strategies for implementing a prehab program to prepare patients for spinal surgery. Nurses play an integral role in educating patients preoperatively about the myriad lifestyle changes associated with spinal surgery.

Summary of the best evidence for prehabilitation management of patients with non-small cell lung cancer

Objective

This study adopts an evidence-based methodology to establish a comprehensive theory foundation for preoperative prehabilitation management in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients.

Methods

A systematic literature review linked to prehabilitation management for NSCLC patients was conducted, utilizing reputable databases such as UpToDate, BMJ Best Practice, UK NICE, SIGN, GIN, Joanna Briggs Institute Library, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, Embase, OVID evidence-based database, PubMed, Chinese Wanfang database, CNKI, CBM, ATS, BTS, AACVPR, and EACTS. The search encompassed articles, including clinical decision-making, guidelines, evidence summaries, expert consensuses, and systematic reviews, from the inception of databases up to March 31st, 2023. Two researchers performed quality assessment of the literature and subsequent evidence extraction.

Results

Nineteen articles were included, comprising five guidelines, three expert consensuses, seven systematic reviews, and four randomized controlled trials. A total of 41 pieces of evidence were summarized, addressing key aspects such as the multidisciplinary team, appropriate patient population, prehabilitation modes, timing of prehabilitation, prehabilitation assessment, prehabilitation content, quality control, and effectiveness evaluation.

Conclusions

The synthesis of the best evidence for prehabilitation management in NSCLC patients provides a solid evidence-based foundation for its implementation. It is recommended that healthcare professionals conduct thorough patient evaluations, optimize and integrate medical resources, and collaboratively engage in interdisciplinarity efforts to develop and implement personalized and multimodal prehabilitation plans.

Perioperative Considerations in Older Kidney and Liver Transplant Recipients: A Review

With the growth of the older adult population, the number of older adults waitlisted for and undergoing kidney and liver transplantation has increased. Transplantation is an important and definitive treatment for this population. We present a contemporary review of the unique preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative issues that patients older than 65 y face when they undergo kidney or liver transplantation. We focus on geriatric syndromes that are common in older patients listed for kidney or liver transplantation including frailty, sarcopenia, and cognitive dysfunction; discuss important considerations for older transplant recipients, which may impact preoperative risk stratification; and describe unique challenges in intraoperative and postoperative management for older patients. Intraoperative challenges in the older adult include using evidence-based best anesthetic practices, maintaining adequate perfusion pressure, and using minimally invasive surgical techniques. Postoperative concerns include controlling acute postoperative pain; preventing cardiovascular complications and delirium; optimizing immunosuppression; preventing perioperative kidney injury; and avoiding nephrotoxicity and rehabilitation. Future studies are needed throughout the perioperative period to identify interventions that will improve patients' preoperative physiologic status, prevent postoperative medical complications, and improve medical and patient-centered outcomes in this vulnerable patient population.

The impact of short-term multimodal prehabilitation on functional capacity in patients with gynecologic malignancies during the perioperative period: A prospective study

PURPOSE

To explore the effect of a short-term, hospital-based, multimodal preoperative prehabilitation intervention on perioperative functional ability of patients with gynecological malignant tumors.

METHODS

According to the order in which they underwent surgery, 97 patients were divided into the control group (48 cases) and the intervention group (49 cases). The control group was given routine preoperative guidance, whereas the intervention group was given short-term multimodal prehabilitation guidance on the basis of the control group intervention. The 6-min walk test was performed on the day of admission to the hospital, the day before surgery, and the 30th day after surgery.

RESULTS

Compared with the control group, the intervention group had significantly better 6-min walk distance and superior physical and psychological status on the day before surgery and the 30th day after surgery (P < 0.001). For three consecutive days after surgery, the quality of recovery in the intervention group was significantly higher than that in the control group (P < 0.001), and the first ambulation time and exhaust time were achieved earlier in the intervention group than in the control group (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

The preoperative intervention group showed improved preoperative exercise ability and reduced anxiety in patients with gynecological cancer. Furthermore, this intervention improved the overall health of patients and accelerated their postoperative recovery.

Preparing for colorectal surgery: a feasibility study of a novel web-based multimodal prehabilitation programme in Western Canada

AIM

Prehabilitation for colorectal cancer has focused on exercise-based interventions that are typically designed by clinicians; however, no research has yet been patient-oriented. The aim of this feasibility study was to test a web-based multimodal prehabilitation intervention (known as PREP prehab) consisting of four components (physical activity, diet, smoking cessation, psychological support) co-designed with five patient partners.

METHOD

A longitudinal, two-armed (website without or with coaching support) feasibility study of 33 patients scheduled for colorectal surgery 2 weeks or more from consent (January-September 2021) in the province of British Columbia, Canada. Descriptive statistics analysed a health-related quality of life questionnaire (EQ5D-5L) at baseline (n = 25) and 3 months postsurgery (n = 21), and a follow-up patient satisfaction survey to determine the acceptability, practicality, demand for and potential efficacy in improving overall health.

RESULTS

Patients had a mean age of 52 years (SD 14 years), 52% were female and they had a mean body mass index of 25 kg m-2 (SD 3.8 kg m-2). Only six patients received a Subjective Global Assessment for being at risk for malnutrition, with three classified as 'severely/moderately' malnourished. The majority (86%) of patients intended to use the prehabilitation website, and nearly three-quarters (71%) visited the website while waiting for surgery. The majority (76%) reported that information, tools and resources provided appropriate support, and 76% indicated they would recommend the PREP prehab programme. About three-quarters (76%) reported setting goals for lifestyle modification: 86% set healthy eating goals, 81% aimed to stay active and 57% sought to reduce stress once a week or more. No patients contacted the team to obtain health coaching, despite broad interest (71%) in receiving active support and 14% reporting they received 'active support'.

CONCLUSION

This web-based multimodal prehabilitation programme was acceptable, practical and well-received by all colorectal surgery patients who viewed the patient-oriented multimodal website. The feasibility of providing active health coaching support requires further investigation.

Barriers and facilitators to giving prehabilitation advice by clinical nurse specialists and advanced nurse practitioners in oncology patients

PURPOSE

This is the second article in this series on the knowledge, attitudes and beliefs of clinical nurse specialists (CNSs) and ANPs (advanced nurse practitioners) regarding prehabilitation advice in oncology patients, exploring the barriers and facilitators to giving prehabilitation advice by CNSs and ANPs in oncology patients.

METHODS

A Cross-sectional online questionnaire opens for 3 months to establish the knowledge, attitudes and beliefs of ANPs and CNSs to prehabilitation disseminated through professional organisations and social media.

RESULTS

The questionnaire gained (n = 415) responses. Prehabilitation advice was routinely given by 89% (n = 371) of respondents. Many (60%) identified a lack of guidance and referral processes as a barrier to giving prehabilitation advice; this corresponded between respondents' confidence to give prehabilitation advice and subsequent referrals (< 0.001). Other factors included time (61%), a lack of patient interest (44%) and limited relevance to patients (35%).

CONCLUSION

The implementation of standardised nurse prehabilitation advice resources would enable CNSs and ANPs to provide personalised prehabilitation advice in their consultations.

Impact of a dietitian-led very low calorie diet clinic on perioperative risk for patients with obesity awaiting elective, non-bariatric surgery: A retrospective cohort study

BACKGROUND

Despite a lack of evidence that intentional weight loss reduces the risk of postoperative complications, adults with obesity are commonly asked to lose weight before elective surgery. We hypothesized that patients undertaking dietitian-led preoperative, very low calorie diet treatment could reduce perioperative surgery risks, as per validated risk scoring systems. The purpose of this study was to measure the impact of a dietitian-led preoperative very low calorie diet clinic on the American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status scores and National Surgical Quality Improvement Program Surgical Risk Calculator scores for patients with obesity awaiting non-bariatric elective surgery.

METHODS

This retrospective cohort study included patients referred to the preoperative dietitian-led very low calorie diet clinic before elective surgical procedures over a 2-year-9-month period. The dietitian prescribed individualized, very low calorie diet-based treatment. Primary outcomes were changes in the American Society of Anesthesiologists and Surgical Risk Calculator scores from pretreatment until surgery.

RESULTS

A total of 141 eligible participants (48 ± 13.4 years, 76% women, body mass index 41.7 ± 6.3 kg/m2) demonstrated clinically significant weight loss (mean 7.1 ± 6.1kg, 5.2% body weight, P < .001). Median treatment duration was 13 weeks (interquartile range 6.2-19.2 weeks). Five participants (3.5%) avoided surgery due to weight loss-related improvements in their condition. American Society of Anesthesiologists scores improved for 16% (n = 22/141) of participants. Overall, the median surgical risk calculator estimated risk of 'serious' and 'any' postoperative complication reduced from 4.8% to 3.9% (P < .001) and 6% to 5.1% (P < .001), respectively. Reduction in all Surgical Risk Calculator scores occurred, including surgical site infection, re-admission, and cardiac events (P < .05).

CONCLUSION

The dietitian-led preoperative, very low calorie diet clinic improved American Society of Anesthesiologists and Surgical Risk Calculator scores for non-bariatric elective surgery patients with obesity. Randomized controlled trials comparing this approach with a control group are warranted.

Changes in Self-Reported and Device-Measured Physical Activity Before Abdominal Resection Surgery: A Meta-Analysis

OBJECTIVE

To determine the effect of interventions on physical activity levels of patients awaiting abdominal resection surgery using self-reported as well as device-measured outcome measures.

DATA SOURCE

PubMed and EMBASE databases were searched on the 18th of April 2023 up to April 2023 for studies on interventions to promote physical activity during the preoperative phase.

REVIEW METHODS

Studies were included if pre- and post-intervention physical activity was measured between diagnosis and abdominal surgery. Risk of bias was assessed by the Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro) assessment tool for trials. Meta-analyses were performed to assess the effect of the pre-surgery activity promoting interventions on self-reported and device-measured physical activity.

RESULTS

Seventeen studies were included in the analysis with 452 subjects in the intervention groups. The random-effect meta-analysis showed a moderate improvement in intervention groups measures in pre-surgery physical activity levels compared to the baseline (SMD = 0.67, [CI = 0.30;1.03], I2 = 79%). The self-reported subgroup meta-analysis showed the largest increase in performed physical activity, (SMD = 0.78, [CI = 0.4;1.15], I2 = 79%) whilst non-significant increase was shown in the device-measured subgroup (SMD = 0.16, [CI = -0.64;0.97], I2 = 58%).

CONCLUSION

Increasing physical activity in the preoperative phase is feasible. Self-reported physical activity outcome measures show larger effects compared to device-measured outcome measures. More high-quality research should be performed utilizing objective measures.

Modified Frailty Index Predicts Postoperative Complications Following Parastomal Hernia Repair

BACKGROUND

The 5-factor frailty index (5-mFI), validated frailty index with Spearmen rho correlation of .95 and C statistic >.7 for predicting postoperative complications, can be preoperatively used to stratify patients prior to parastomal hernia repairs.

METHODS

Retrospective review of the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (ACS-NSQIP) database identified patients from 2015 to 2020. 5-mFI scores were calculated by adding one point for each comorbidity present: diabetes mellitus, congestive heart failure (CHF), hypertension requiring medication, severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), non-independent functional status. Primary endpoint was 30-day overall complications; secondary endpoints were 30-day readmission, reoperation, and discharge to care facility.

RESULTS

2924 (52.2% female) patients underwent elective parastomal hernia repair. Univariate analysis showed 5-mFI > 2 had higher rates of overall (P = .008), pulmonary (P = .002), cardiovascular (P = .003)), hematologic (P = .003), and renal (P = .002) complications and higher rates of readmission (P = .009), reoperation (P = .001), discharge to care facility (P < .001), and death (P < .001). Multivariate analysis identified a 5-mFI of 2 or more as an independent risk factor for overall complications [OR: 1.40, 1.03-1.78; P = .032], pulmonary complications [2.97, 1.63-5.39; P < .001], hematological complications [1.60, 1.03-2.47; P = .035], renal complications [2.04, 1.19-3.46; P = .009], readmission [1.54, 1.19-1.99; P < .001], and discharge to facility [2.50, 1.66-3.77; P < .001]. Reoperation was not signification on multivariate analysis.

CONCLUSIONS

Parastomal hernia repair patients with 5-mFI score of >2 had higher risk of renal, cardiovascular, pulmonary, and hematologic complications, readmissions, longer hospitalization, discharge to care facility, and mortality, and can be useful during preoperative risk stratification.

Molecular mechanisms underpinning favourable physiological adaptations to exercise prehabilitation for urological cancer surgery

BACKGROUND

Surgery for urological cancers is associated with high complication rates and survivors commonly experience fatigue, reduced physical ability and quality of life. High-intensity interval training (HIIT) as surgical prehabilitation has been proven effective for improving the cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) of urological cancer patients, however the mechanistic basis of this favourable adaptation is undefined. Thus, we aimed to assess the mechanisms of physiological responses to HIIT as surgical prehabilitation for urological cancer.

METHODS

Nineteen male patients scheduled for major urological surgery were randomised to complete 4-weeks HIIT prehabilitation (71.6 ± 0.75 years, BMI: 27.7 ± 0.9 kg·m2) or a no-intervention control (71.8 ± 1.1 years, BMI: 26.9 ± 1.3 kg·m2). Before and after the intervention period, patients underwent m. vastus lateralis biopsies to quantify the impact of HIIT on mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) capacity, cumulative myofibrillar muscle protein synthesis (MPS) and anabolic, catabolic and insulin-related signalling.

RESULTS

OXPHOS capacity increased with HIIT, with increased expression of electron transport chain protein complexes (C)-II (p = 0.010) and III (p = 0.045); and a significant correlation between changes in C-I (r = 0.80, p = 0.003), C-IV (r = 0.75, p = 0.008) and C-V (r = 0.61, p = 0.046) and changes in CRF. Neither MPS (1.81 ± 0.12 to 2.04 ± 0.14%·day-1, p = 0.39) nor anabolic or catabolic proteins were upregulated by HIIT (p > 0.05). There was, however, an increase in phosphorylation of AS160Thr642 (p = 0.046) post-HIIT.

CONCLUSIONS

A HIIT surgical prehabilitation regime, which improved the CRF of urological cancer patients, enhanced capacity for skeletal muscle OXPHOS; offering potential mechanistic explanation for this favourable adaptation. HIIT did not stimulate MPS, synonymous with the observed lack of hypertrophy. Larger trials pairing patient-centred and clinical endpoints with mechanistic investigations are required to determine the broader impacts of HIIT prehabilitation in this cohort, and to inform on future optimisation (i.e., to increase muscle mass).

Effects of unimodal or multimodal prehabilitation on patients undergoing surgery for esophagogastric cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis

PURPOSE

To evaluate the effects of unimodal or multimodal prehabilitation on patients undergoing surgery for esophagogastric cancer.

METHODS

We conducted a systematic search of the PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library (CENTRAL) databases from database inception to May 5, 2023, for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and cohort studies that investigated prehabilitation in the context of esophagogastric cancer. A random-effects model was used for meta-analysis.

RESULTS

We identified 2,994 records and eventually included 12 studies (6 RCTs and 6 cohort studies) with a total of 910 patients. According to random-effects pooled estimates, prehabilitation reduced the incidence of all complications (RR = 0.79, 95% CI: 0.66 to 0.93, P = 0.006), pulmonary complications (RR = 0.61, 95% CI: 0.47 to 0.79, P = 0.0002), and severe complications (RR = 0.63, 95% CI: 0.47 to 0.84, P = 0.002), and shortened the length of stay (MD = -1.92, 95% CI: -3.11 to -0.73, P = 0.002) compared to usual care. However, there were no statistically significant differences in 30-day readmission rates or in-hospital mortality. Subgroup analysis showed that multimodal prehabilitation was effective in reducing the risk of all complications and severe complications, while unimodal prehabilitation was not.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings suggested that prehabilitation may be beneficial in reducing postoperative complications and length of stay. We recommend preoperative prehabilitation to improve postoperative outcomes and hasten recovery following esophagogastric cancer surgery, and multimodal prehabilitation seems to be more advantageous in reducing complications. However, further studies are needed to confirm these results.

Prehabilitative versus rehabilitative exercise in prostate cancer patients undergoing prostatectomy

PURPOSE

The study compared the efficacy of commencing supervised exercise in men with prostate cancer before and after prostatectomy on objective and patient-reported outcomes, hospital length of stay, and urinary incontinence.

METHODS

Forty-one men were randomised to a 6-week prehabilitation or rehabilitation exercise programme. Prehabilitation involved resistance and aerobic exercise thrice weekly pre-surgery, while rehabilitation comprised the same commencing 6-weeks post-surgery. Assessments included strength, function (chair rise, stair climb, 400-m, 6-m usual, fast, and backwards walk), body composition, fatigue and quality of life, undertaken at pre-surgery, early post-surgery and late post-surgery phase, with urinary incontinence (24-h pad test) assessed at 2, 6, and 12-weeks post-surgery. Intention-to-treat and sensitivity analyses were undertaken.

RESULTS

Of thirty-eight men (48-73 years), 29 completed all assessments with most undergoing robotic-assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy (92.1%). In the pre-surgery phase, prehabilitation improved muscle strength (leg press: 17.2 kg; chest press: 2.9 kg; p ≤ 0.001), 400-m, chair rise, 6-m fast and backward walk tests (p ≤ 0.001-0.028). Strength and function declines in the early post-surgery phase were maintained late post-surgery. Rehabilitation showed declines of these outcomes after surgery with improvement late post-surgery (leg press: 14.6 kg, p < 0.001; chest press: 6.8 kg, p < 0.001; 400-m walk: -12.0 s, p = 0.005), resulting in no difference between groups at 12 weeks. There were no significant differences between groups for patient-reported outcomes, hospital length of stay or urinary incontinence.

CONCLUSION

Pre-surgical exercise enhanced strength and function, protecting against post-surgery declines. Although exercise post-surgery is beneficial for recouping strength and function, where possible men undergoing prostatectomy are encouraged to exercise pre-surgery.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ACTRN12617001115325 registered 31 July 2017.

Unplanned readmissions following ambulatory spine surgery: assessing common reasons and risk factors

BACKGROUND CONTEXT

Although outpatient spine surgery is becoming increasingly popular in the United States, unplanned readmission following outpatient surgery remains a significant postoperative concern.

PURPOSE

This study aimed to (1) describe the incidence and timing of 30-day unplanned readmission after ambulatory lumbar and cervical spine surgery (2) evaluate the common reasons for readmission, and (3) identify factors associated with readmission in this population.

STUDY DESIGN/SETTING

Retrospective cohort study.

PATIENT SAMPLE

Patients who underwent ambulatory cervical or lumbar spine surgery between 2015 and 2020 were identified in the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) database.

OUTCOME MEASURES

Hospital readmission within 30 postoperative days.

METHODS

Patients who underwent ambulatory cervical or lumbar spine surgery between 2015 and 2020 were identified using the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) database. Reasons for and timing of unplanned readmissions were recorded. Multivariable poisson regressions were employed to determine any independent predictors of readmission.

RESULTS

A total of 33,092 ambulatory cervical and 68,115 ambulatory lumbar spine surgery patients were identified. Incidences of 30-day readmission were 3.37% and 3.07% among cervical and lumbar patients, respectively. The most common surgical site-related reasons for readmission included uncontrolled pain, recurrence of disc herniation or major symptom, and postoperative hematoma/seroma. Common nonsurgical site-related reasons included gastrointestinal, neurological, and cardiovascular complications. Factors associated with readmission among cervical patients included age ≥55, BMI ≥35, functional dependence, diabetes, smoking, COPD, and steroid use, whereas factors associated with readmission following lumbar spine surgery included age ≥65, female sex, BMI ≥35, functional dependence, ASA ≥3, diabetes, smoking, COPD, and hypertension (p<.05 for all).

CONCLUSION

This study highlights the common reasons and factors associated with unplanned readmission following ambulatory spine surgery. Consideration of these factors may be critical to ensuring appropriate patient selection for ambulatory spine surgery.

The efficacy of a blended intervention to improve physical activity and protein intake for optimal physical recovery after oncological gastrointestinal and lung cancer surgery, the Optimal Physical Recovery After Hospitalization (OPRAH) trial: study protocol for a randomized controlled multicenter trial

BACKGROUND

Improving physical activity, especially in combination with optimizing protein intake, after surgery has a potential positive effect on recovery of physical functioning in patients after gastrointestinal and lung cancer surgery. The aim of this randomized controlled trial is to evaluate the efficacy of a blended intervention to improve physical activity and protein intake after hospital discharge on recovery of physical functioning in these patients.

METHODS

In this multicenter single-blinded randomized controlled trial, 161 adult patients scheduled for elective gastrointestinal or lung cancer surgery will be randomly assigned to the intervention or control group. The purpose of the Optimal Physical Recovery After Hospitalization (OPRAH) intervention is to encourage self-management of patients in their functional recovery, by using a smartphone application and corresponding accelerometer in combination with coaching by a physiotherapist and dietician during three months after hospital discharge. Study outcomes will be measured prior to surgery (baseline) and one, four, eight, and twelve weeks and six months after hospital discharge. The primary outcome is recovery in physical functioning six months after surgery, and the most important secondary outcome is physical activity. Other outcomes include lean body mass, muscle mass, protein intake, symptoms, physical performance, self-reported limitations in activities and participation, self-efficacy, hospital readmissions and adverse events.

DISCUSSION

The results of this study will demonstrate whether a blended intervention to support patients increasing their level of physical activity and protein intake after hospital discharge improves recovery in physical functioning in patients after gastrointestinal and lung cancer surgery.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

The trial has been registered at the International Clinical Trials Registry Platform at 14-10-2021 with registration number NL9793. Trial registration data are presented in Table 1.

Multimodal prehabilitation program valuation for thoracic surgical patients

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Modifiable patient-related risk factors, such as physical, emotional, and cognitive frailty, poor nutritional status, sleep hygiene, anemia, alcohol abuse, and smoking reduce a patient's ability to effectively recover from the insult of surgery. Herein, we review the value of implementing a comprehensive prehabilitation program for patients undergoing thoracic surgery.

RECENT FINDINGS

Although prehabilitation is not a novel concept, recent evidence suggest that 4-6 weeks of prehabilitation prior to surgery is likely to increase a patient's preoperative functional status allowing patients to return to independence earlier after surgery. The value of a prehabilitation program can be determined using cost effectiveness analysis, cost-benefit analysis (CBA), cost-utility analysis (CUA), and cost-consequence analysis (CCA).

SUMMARY

It stands to reason that well designed prehabilitation programs can add value by improving quality metrics at a lower cost to our healthcare system. Definitive randomized trials are needed to confirm this notion.

Prehabilitation in Adult Solid Organ Transplant Candidates

Purpose of Review

To highlight the importance of biological age in the context of prehabilitation and to present relevant research regarding prehabilitation prior to solid organ transplantation.

Recent Findings

Studies on the effect of prehabilitation have been performed in kidney-, lung-, liver-, and heart transplant patient populations. Prior to kidney transplantation, exercise interventions have been shown to improve cardiopulmonary- and physical fitness and result in a decreased length of hospital stay postoperatively. Among lung transplant candidates, various methods of prehabilitation have been studied including home-based, outpatient and in-patient programs, consisting of physical training, psychological support, education, and nutritional interventions. Overall, prehabilitation seems to improve or maintain quality of life and exercise capacity in this patient population. Patients undergoing liver transplantation seem to benefit from prehabilitation as well. Not only does it seem safe and feasible, but significant improvements in aerobic and functional capacity have also been found. Regarding heart transplant candidates, both inpatient and outpatient, supervised prehabilitation programs show promising results with improvements in exercise capacities and quality of life.

Summary

Prehabilitation is an effective and safe intervention for improving functional outcomes of solid organ transplant patients. Future studies should evaluate whether prehabilitation translates into improved pre- and post-transplant clinical outcomes.

[Older patients in abdominal surgery]

BACKGROUND

The aging society imposes special challenges on operative medicine.

OBJECTIVE

Characteristics in the perioperative treatment of older patients. Consequences for the daily practice.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Evaluation and summary of existing literature including recommendations for the (peri)operative management of older patients.

RESULTS

Despite the growing relevance there are only few studies focusing on older patients. The altered (patho)physiology and comorbidities are challenging and can lead to complications.

CONCLUSION

The evaluation of the indications for surgery should meticulously take the improvement to be expected into account by weighing up the individual wishes of patients and special risks. The adequate perioperative care including early mobilization and sufficient analgesia are decisive.

Prehabilitation as Novel Paradigm Shift in Cancer Care

OBJECTIVES

Prehabilitation aims to optimize patients' preoperative risk factors while waiting for surgery. The preoperative period is a salient time to modify health behaviors with the aim to mitigate the stress of surgery and facilitate the recovery process.

DATA SOURCES

This is a narrative review of scientific evidence and published reports on aspects of prehabilitation for patients with cancer.

CONCLUSION

While the prehabilitation team identifies the health issues ahead of the surgical date, patients become engaged in improving their health. This demands a shift in how the perioperative care is organized, taking into consideration the active role of the patient and the multidisciplinary team approach.

IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE

While the patient with cancer is at the center of the perioperative care, the prehabilitation multidisciplinary team, which includes the perioperative physician, the physiotherapist/kinesiologist/exercise physiologist, the dietician, the psychologist, and the specialist nurse, works together with the surgeon and the oncologist to screen, assess, and plan a personalized intervention. In this context, the specialist nurse can collaborate with the team in identifying those patients at risk who might benefit from the prehabilitation program (eg, frail, older, malnourished, smoker, with many comorbidities) . The specialist nurse will be able to coordinate the time of visits, liaise with the caregivers, identify barriers, and participate in decision-making activities.

Understanding Patients’ Experiences and Perspectives of Tele-Prehabilitation: A Qualitative Study to Inform Service Design and Delivery

Background: Tele-prehabilitation is a behaviour change intervention that facilities the modification of unhealthy lifestyle behaviours. Understanding patients’ experiences of tele-prehabilitation provides important insights into service improvement. In this study, we aimed to describe our patients’ perceptions of tele-prehabilitation and capture their capabilities, opportunities, and motivations to participate. This was a qualitative study to inform our service design and delivery. Methods: Following purposive sampling, 22 qualitative semistructured interviews were conducted with patients in the community that had completed tele-prehabilitation. Interviews were recorded and transcribed. Deductive content analysis was used to map the identified themes against theoretical determinants of health behaviour change. Results: We conducted 22 interviews. Our patients described their overall experience of tele-prehabilitation as positive and provided important insights that impacted their capabilities, opportunities, and motivations to engage with our service. Our team provided them the capabilities and self-efficacy to engage by personalising multimodal plans and setting goals. The remote delivery of our service was a recurring positive theme in providing flexibility and widening accessibility to participation. A missed opportunity was the potential for peer support through shared experiences with other patients. Patients showed greater motivation to participate for immediate perioperative benefit compared to long-term health gains. Conclusion: Patients’ experiences and perspectives of tele-prehabilitation can be enhanced by incorporating the findings from this qualitative study into service redesign and delivery. We recommend: (1) applying holistic principles in care and goal-setting, (2) delivering a combination of home-based and in-centre programmes, and (3) engaging with patients at the start of their cancer journey when they are most motivated. In turn, this can result in more effective uptake, improve adherence to interventions, and greater satisfaction.

Development and validation of risk stratification tool for prediction of increased dependence using preoperative frailty after hepatopancreatic surgery

BACKGROUND

Despite the known association between frailty and postoperative morbidity, the use of preoperative frailty in surgical practice remains limited. We sought to develop a risk tool to predict postoperative increase in functional dependence.

METHODS

Patients of ≥65 years in the National Surgical Quality Improvement Project database who had a primary hepatopancreatic surgery between 2015 and 2019 were used to identify predictors of increased dependence and development of a simplified tool to calculate the risk stratification score for increased discharge care level (https://ktsahara.shinyapps.io/care_discharge/).

RESULTS

Among 31,338 patients who underwent primary hepatopancreatic surgery, 4,259 (13.6%) had an increased level of care at discharge compared to their preadmission care. Patients with increased discharge care had a higher proportion of patients with a modified frailty index of at least 2 (n = 1496; 35.1%) compared with individuals with unchanged care (n = 6,760; 25.0%). In addition, 12.3% (n = 3,858) were discharged to a skilled nursing or rehabilitation facility. Of note, the odds of increased care at discharge were increased by 1.41 (95% confidence interval: 1.32-1.50), 1.11 (95% confidence interval :1.11-1.12), and 1.95 (95% confidence interval:1.86-2.04) times with every unit increase in modified frailty index, age beyond 65 years, and the number of in-hospital complications, respectively. Area under receiver operative curve for the parsimonious model used to develop the risk calculator was 0.7486 (95% confidence interval: 0.7405-0.7566) (all P < .001).

CONCLUSION

Approximately, 1 in 7 patients required an increased level of care at the time of discharge compared with their preadmission status. A simplified web-based risk tool can be used in clinical practice as a surgical decision aid in post-discharge planning after complex elective surgery.

Effects of Community-based Exercise Prehabilitation for Patients Scheduled for Colorectal Surgery With High Risk for Postoperative Complications: Results of a Randomized Clinical Trial

OBJECTIVE

To assess the effects of a 3-week community-based exercise program on 30-day postoperative complications in high-risk patients scheduled for elective colorectal resection for (pre)malignancy.

SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA

Patients with a low preoperative aerobic fitness undergoing colorectal surgery have an increased risk of postoperative complications. It remains, however, to be demonstrated whether prehabilitation in these patients reduces postoperative complications.

METHODS

This 2-center, prospective, single-blinded randomized clinical trial was carried out in 2 large teaching hospitals in the Netherlands. Patients (≥60 years) with colorectal (pre)malignancy scheduled for elective colorectal resection and with a score ≤7 metabolic equivalents on the veterans-specific activity questionnaire were randomly assigned to the prehabilitation group or the usual care group by using block-stratified randomization. An oxygen uptake at the ventilatory anaerobic threshold <11 mL/kg/min at the baseline cardiopulmonary exercise test was the final inclusion criterion. Inclusion was based on a power analysis. Patients in the prehabilitation group participated in a personalized 3-week (3 sessions per week, nine sessions in total) supervised exercise program given in community physical therapy practices before colorectal resection. Patients in the reference group received usual care. The primary outcome was the number of patients with one or more complications within 30 days of surgery, graded according to the Clavien-Dindo classification. Data were analyzed on an intention-to-treat basis.

RESULTS

Between February 2014 and December 2018, 57 patients [30 males and 27 females; mean age 73.6 years (standard deviation 6.1), range 61-88 years] were randomized to either prehabilitation (n = 28) or usual care (n = 29). The rate of postoperative complications was lower in the prehabilitation group (n = 12, 42.9%) than in the usual care group (n = 21, 72.4%, relative risk 0.59, 95% confidence interval 0.37-0.96, P = 0.024).

CONCLUSIONS

Exercise prehabilitation reduced postoperative complications in high-risk patients scheduled to undergo elective colon resection for (pre)malignancy. Prehabilitation should be considered as usual care in high-risk patients scheduled for elective colon, and probably also rectal, surgery.

Patient engagement in the design of an intervention to prevent muscle loss in individuals with knee osteoarthritis and a body mass index (BMI) ≥ 35

OBJECTIVE

Interventions for knee osteoarthritis (OA) in adults with a large body size (defined as a body mass index [BMI] ≥ 35 kg/m² ) often prioritise weight-loss, which may overshadow specific benefits for physical function, metabolic health, and body composition. As part of the development of a future clinical study, we gathered perspectives from individuals living with knee OA and a large body size to inform the proposed intervention design and delivery.

METHODS

Purposive and voluntary sampling was used to engage individuals ≥40 years of age with self-reported knee OA and a BMI ≥ 35 kg/m² . An anonymous electronic survey was distributed on social media between April 2020 and June 2020. Open-ended questions addressed a proposed 12-week multimodal intervention (involving targeted nutrition, resistance exercises, and self-management support). An optional semi-structured interview was offered upon completion, with interviews recorded and transcribed verbatim. Reflexive thematic analysis and interpretation guided by an acceptability framework was used to identify recommendations for the intervention design and delivery.

RESULTS

Twenty individuals living across Canada completed the survey (100% female; 18 aged <65 years and 2 ≥ 65 years). Ten individuals completed the interview. From aggregate survey and interview data, three recommendations were generated: (1) the effectiveness of the intervention for health improvement (specifically mobility and pain) must be emphasised to avoid perceived weight-loss expectations; (2) extend support beyond 12-weeks and consider terminology free from weight-bias to enhance acceptance; (3) include optional customisation of intervention delivery to reduce acceptability-related burden.

CONCLUSION

These female patient-derived recommendations may improve perceived intervention acceptability, and thereby may enhance participant enrolment and retention in clinical trials.

Effectiveness of eHealth Tools for Hip and Knee Arthroplasty: A Systematic Review

Objective: This study aimed to compare the effectiveness and costs of eHealth tools with usual care in delivering health-related education to patients' undergoing total hip or knee arthroplasty due to osteoarthritis.

Data Sources: Six electronic databases were searched to identify randomized controlled trials and experimental designs (randomized or not) examining the effect of eHealth tools on pre- or post-operative care. Only manuscripts written in English were included. In the current study, no specific primary or secondary outcomes were selected. Any study that investigated the impacts of eHealth tools on hip or knee arthroplasty outcomes were included.

Review Methods: Two researchers reviewed all titles and abstracts independently and in duplicate. Two researchers also conducted full-text screening and data extraction from the 26 selected articles.

Results: The data were descriptively reported, and themes could emerge from each outcome. Two researchers separately assessed the Risk of Bias for each paper using the Cochrane risk of bias assessment tool. The majority of studies evaluated the impact of eHealth tools on physical (n = 23) and psychosocial outcomes (n = 19). Cost-related outcomes were measured in 7 studies. eHealth tools were found to be equivocal to usual care, with few studies reporting statistically significant differences in physical or psychosocial outcome measures. However, cost-related outcomes showed that using eHealth tools is more cost-effective than usual care.

Conclusions: This review demonstrated that eHealth tools might be as effective as usual care, and possibly more cost-effective, a crucial implication for many overly burdened health care systems.

Implementation of Prehabilitation for Major Abdominal Surgery and Head and Neck Surgery: a Simplified Seven-Day Protocol

PURPOSE

The aim of this prospective trial was to assess the compliance of a prehabilitation protocol on post-operative outcome after major abdominal and head and neck surgery.

METHODS

A single-arm, prospective 7-day intervention trial was approved by our local IRB for patients undergoing major abdominal and head-and-neck (H&N) surgery from 8/2018 to 3/2019. This was a 7-day intervention trial at the time of pre-admission testing to assess compliance for pulmonary, nutritional, and physical activity prior to surgery.

RESULTS

Seventy-six patients were enrolled in this compliance with IS use that was 85%, with a median of 2200 cc (range 1500-2500cc), pre-operative nutritional drink (89.5%), and chlorhexidine gluconate use was 92%. Ambulation/step compliance was only 32 patients (44%), with median steps of 7500 (range 400-15,000). Compared with the non-prehabilitation patients, we found significant improvement in immediate post-operative mobility (OR 0.73, 95% CI 0.46-0.97, p = 0.04), and improvement in prevention of pulmonary morbidity (OR 0.82, 95% CI 0.23-1.18, p = 0.07) was observed in the prehabilitation group. No significant difference in overall infectious complications (18% vs 27%), surgical site infections (14% vs 22%), length of stay (median 6 days vs 6), or readmissions (18% vs 22%).

CONCLUSIONS

A simple 7-day prehabilitation protocol at the time of pre-admission testing is feasible with a high degree of compliance regardless of a patient's disease type, education, or socioeconomic background.

Preoperative walking recommendation for non-cardiac surgery patients to reduce the length of hospital stay: a randomized control trial

BACKGROUND

Even though the importance of preparing patients for a surgical event is recognized, there are still gaps about the benefit of improving functional capacity by walking during the waiting time among patients scheduled for non-cardiac surgery. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of pre-surgical walking in-hospital length of stay, early ambulation, and the appearance of complications after surgery among patients scheduled for non-cardiac surgery.

METHODS

A two-arm, single- blinded randomized controlled trial was developed from May 2016 to August 2017. Eligible outpatients scheduled for non-cardiac surgery, capable of walking, were randomized (2:1 ratio) to receive a prescription of walking 150 min/week during the whole pre-surgical waiting time (n = 249) or conventional care (n = 119). The primary outcome was the difference in hospital length of stay, and secondary results were time to first ambulation during hospitalization, description of ischemic events during hospitalization and after six months of hospital discharge, and the walking continuation. We performed an intention to treat analysis and compared length of stay between both groups by Kaplan-Meier estimator (log-rank test).

RESULTS

There were no significant differences in the length of hospital stay between both groups (log-rank test p = 0.367) and no differences in the first ambulation time during hospitalization (log-rank test p = 0.299). Similar rates of postoperative complications were observed in both groups, but patients in the intervention group continued to practice walking six months after discharge (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Our study is the first clinical trial evaluating the impact of walking before non-cardiac surgery in the length of stay, early ambulation, and complications after surgery. Prescription of walking for patients before non-cardiac surgery had no significant effect in reducing the length of stay, and early ambulation. The results become a crucial element for further investigation.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

PAMP-Phase2 was registered in ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03213496 on July 11, 2017.

The Relevance and Added Value of Geriatric Medicine (GM): Introducing GM to Non-Geriatricians

Geriatric Medicine (GM) holds a crucial role in promoting health and managing the complex medical, cognitive, social, and psychological issues of older people. However, basic principles of GM, essential for optimizing the care of older people, are commonly unknown or undermined, especially in countries where GM is still under development. This narrative review aims at providing insights into the role of GM to non-geriatrician readers and summarizing the main aspects of the added value of a geriatric approach across the spectrum of healthcare. Health practitioners of all specialties are frequently encountered with clinical conditions, common in older patients (such as cancer, hypertension, delirium, major neurocognitive and mental health disorders, malnutrition, and peri-operative complications), which could be more appropriately managed under the light of the approach of GM. The role of allied health professionals with specialized knowledge and skills in dealing with older people's issues is essential, and a multidisciplinary team is required for the delivery of optimal care in response to the needs and aspirations of older people. Thus, countries should assure the educational background of all health care providers and the specialized health and social care services required to meet the demands of a rapidly aging society.

The Hip Instructional Prehabilitation Program for Enhanced Recovery (HIPPER) as an eHealth Approach to Presurgical Hip Replacement Education: Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial

Background

Osteoarthritis (OA), leading to hip replacement (THR), is a primary contributor to global mobility impairment. In 2018, more than 59,000 THR surgeries were performed in Canada. Health promotion education, such as prehabilitation, is vital to optimizing surgical outcomes.

Objective

This study aims to evaluate the feasibility of the Hip Instructional Prehabilitation Program for Enhanced Recovery (HIPPER), an eHealth approach to prehabilitation education.

Methods

A single-blind (assessor-blind), 2-arm, feasibility randomized controlled trial will be conducted. We will recruit 40 (HIPPER group, n=20; control group, n=20) older adults with hip OA and on a waitlist for a THR. The HIPPER intervention consists of 12 online, interactive modules. The control group will receive the current standard practice consisting of 2 online educational sessions lasting 2 hours each (webinars). Feasibility outcomes (eg, recruitment and retention rates) will be evaluated.

Results

Recruitment started in March 2021. As of April 20, 2021, 18 participants were recruited. All 18 completed T1 measures. Only 1 participant has been scheduled to have a surgery and therefore has been scheduled to complete T2 measures. The remainder of the participants are waiting to be notified of their surgery date. This project was funded by a Canadian Institutes of Health Research Project Grant. Our institute’s research ethics board approved this study in November 2016.

Conclusions

Results will lead to refinement of the HIPPER protocol in order to evaluate a standardized and geographically accessible prehabilitation program.

Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02969512; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02969512

International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID)

DERR1-10.2196/29322

Decreased Nutritional Risk Index is associated with mortality after heart transplantation

INTRODUCTION

Validated scoring tools, such as the Nutritional Risk Index (NRI), can aid clinicians in quantifying the degree of malnourishment in patients prior to an operation. We evaluated the association between NRI and outcomes after heart transplantation.

METHODS

The United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) database was used to identify adult patients (age > 18) undergoing heart transplantation between 1987 and 2016. NRI was calculated and categorized into previously established groupings representing severity of malnutrition. Multivariate Cox proportional hazards modeling were used to assess the primary outcome of all-cause mortality.

RESULTS

A total of 25,236 patients were included in the analysis. Most patients (75.4%) were male. Malnourishment was absent (NRI ≥ 100) in 11,022 (44%) patients, while 2,898 (12%) were mildly malnourished (97.5 ≤ NRI < 100), 8,685 (34%) were moderately malnourished (83.5 ≤ NRI < 97.5), and 2,631 (10%) were severely malnourished (NRI < 83.5). Moderate-to-severe malnutrition was associated with increased mortality (HR = 1.18, p < .001, 95%CI: 1.13-1.24), and post-transplant renal failure requiring dialysis (OR: 1.13, p < .001, 95%CI: 1.03-1.23).

CONCLUSION

Malnourishment determined by NRI is independently associated with mortality and post-transplant dialysis after heart transplant. This is the largest study of NRI in heart transplant recipients.

Surgery after neoadjuvant immunotherapy in patients with resectable non-small cell lung cancer

Surgery is the standard of care for patients with operable non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). However, as a single modality, surgery for early stage or locally advanced NSCLC remains associated with high rates of local and distant recurrence. The addition of neoadjuvant or adjuvant chemotherapy has modestly improved outcomes. While systemic therapy paired with surgery for other malignancies such as breast cancer have resulted in far better outcomes for equivalent stage designations, outcome improvements for operable NSCLC have lagged in part as a result of trials where adjuvant chemotherapy seemed to incur harm for stage IA patients and only modest survival benefit for stage IB-IIIA patients (AJCC 7th ed.). In recent years, immunotherapy for NSCLC has emerged as a systemic therapy with significant benefit over traditional chemotherapy regimens. These advances with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have opened the door to administering peri-operative immunotherapy for operable NSCLC. As a result, a great multitude of studies investigating the use of immunotherapy in combination with surgery for NSCLC as well as several other malignancies have emerged. In this review, we outline the rationale for neoadjuvant immunotherapy in the treatment of operable NSCLC and summarize the available evidence that include preoperative ICI as a single modality or in combination with systemic agents and/or radiotherapy. Further, we summarize how such treatment trajectories open multiple unique windows of opportunity for scientific discovery and potential therapeutic gains for these vulnerable patients.

Prehabilitation

In this article, we review the evidence underpinning the broader prehabilitation concept and the target behavioural and lifestyle risk factors including their perioperative impact and evidence for prehabilitation intervention. We also identify principles for delivering prehabilitation in practice, alongside lessons for the perioperative setting from well-established allied interventions; cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation.

Impact of Exercise on Body Composition and Cardiometabolic Risk Factors in Patients Awaiting Bariatric Surgery

BACKGROUND

The role of exercise to achieve weight reductions in patients awaiting bariatric surgery has been little studied. The aim of this study was to describe the effects of an exercise program on body composition and cardiometabolic risk factors in patients awaiting bariatric surgery.

METHODS

Twenty-three patients awaiting bariatric surgery were divided into two groups: (a) an exercise group (EG, n = 12) and (b) a control group (CG, n = 11). Both groups received the usual care prior to surgery, but the EG also performed a 12-week exercise program which combined endurance and resistance training. Body composition, cardiometabolic risk factors, physical fitness, basal metabolic rate, and quality of life were assessed at baseline and at the end of the study.

RESULTS

After the exercise program, the EG achieved significant reductions in total weight (- 7.3 ± 4.1 kg, P < 0.01), fat mass (- 7.1 ± 4.7 kg, P < 0.01), and waist circumference (- 5.3 ± 2.1 cm, P < 0.01), while they maintained their fat-free mass and basal metabolic rate levels. Only the EG showed reductions in HbA1c (- 0.4 ± 0.45%, P < 0.05), systolic (- 10.5 ± 12.7 mmHg), and diastolic blood pressure (- 3.9 ± 5.2 mmHg, P < 0.05), as well as a decrease in waist-to-height ratio (- 0.032 ± 0.12, P < 0.01) and an improvement in quality of life.

CONCLUSIONS

The implementation of an exercise program prior to bariatric surgery reduces fat mass and central obesity and improves cardiometabolic risk factors and quality of life, especially in the physical scales.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

The study was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT03613766).

A feasibility study of an unsupervised, pre-operative exercise program for adults with lung cancer

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to explore the feasibility, acceptability and perceived utility of the provision of a wearable fitness device and an exercise prescription from a surgeon, prior to surgery for lung cancer.

METHODS

A single-arm, pre-post feasibility study was conducted with 30 participants scheduled for surgery to treat stage I, II or III lung cancer. Participants were given a Garmin Vivoactive HR device and a prescription for 150 min of moderately to vigorous exercise per week. Participants completed assessments on four occasions and completed a semi-structured interview on two occasions. Descriptive statistics were used to assess the feasibility and acceptability of study procedures, including synchronising the Garmin device and engaging in study assessments.

RESULTS

Seventy-nine per cent of enrolled participants completed the pre-operative study activities. Seventy-one per cent of enrolled participants successfully synchronised their device during the pre-operative period. Data were transmitted from the device to the study team for an average of 70% of the pre-operative days.

CONCLUSION

This pilot study demonstrated the feasibility and acceptability of a pre-operative exercise program for patients scheduled to undergo surgery for lung cancer.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

The study protocol was registered with ClinicalTrials.gov prior to the initiation of participant recruitment (NCT03162718).

Adopting a collaborative approach in developing a prehabilitation program for patients with prostate cancer utilising experience-based co-design methodology

PURPOSE

Engaging patients in a prehabilitation program prior to commencement of cancer treatment is a known challenge. Utilising experience-based co-design (EBCD) methodology, this study aimed to explore the prostate cancer treatment journey from the perspectives of the patient and health professionals and collaboratively develop a prehabilitation program for patients with prostate cancer.

METHODS

EBCD was utilised for this study. Patients, support persons and health professionals were selectively identified and recruited from two metropolitan health services in Melbourne. Selection criteria included (i) recent clinical/patient experience with prostate cancer treatment and (ii) willingness to share positive experiences and challenges in two 2-hour face-to-face workshops. Findings from these workshops were thematically analysed to identify key themes addressing aims of the study.

RESULTS

Twenty participants including eight patients, one support person and 11 health professionals were recruited. Four key touchpoints were identified. All participants acknowledged positive interactions between patients and health professionals. Patients often described the journey as lonely, stressful and frustrating especially prior to commencement of treatment. A lack of a consistent approach in identifying and preparing patients with prostate cancer for treatment was identified. A structured prehabilitation program was proposed as a solution. Practical ideas to be implemented including timing of commencement, educational content and strategies to boost engagement were formulated.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings from the study provided practical guidance for future clinicians when implementing a prehabilitation program. Future study is required to evaluate the effectiveness of such a prehabilitation program in improving patient engagement and preparedness for prostate cancer treatment.

Prehabilitation: how to prepare our patients for elective major abdominal surgeries?

Surgical approach is the main form of treatment for several diseases of the abdominal cavity. However, surgical procedure itself is a stressor that may lead to adverse effects unrelated to the treatment goal. Prehabilitation has emerged as a multifactorial preoperative health conditioning program, which promotes improvement in functional capacity and postoperative evolution. The present study reviews literature using MEDLINE, Ovid, Google Scholar, and Cochrane databases in order to determine the concept of prehabilitation program and the indications and means of patient selection for it, as well as to suggest ways to implement this program in cases of major abdominal surgeries.

Prediction of Discharge Destination Following Major Hepatectomy

BACKGROUND

Anatomic hepatectomies can be associated with complicated post-operative recoveries, often with discharge to post-acute care facilities. This study identifies preoperative and intraoperative factors associated with increased risk for non-home discharge destination after major hepatectomy.

METHODS

Patients undergoing major hepatectomy were identified in the NSQIP Targeted Hepatectomy Dataset (2014-2016). Multivariable logistic regression was performed. Patients from 2014 to 2015 were used for training cohort with nomogram generation and 2016 for validation cohort.

RESULTS

Overall, 226 of 3750 patients (6.0%) were discharged to rehab, skilled care, or acute care facilities. Preoperative factors associated with non-home discharge on multivariable analysis were outside patient transfers, older age, presence of ascites, ASA physical status 3 or higher, and low preoperative hematocrit (all p < 0.05). Intraoperative factors significantly predictive were concurrent lysis of adhesions, Pringle maneuver, and biliary reconstruction (all p < 0.05). Predictors from testing cohort were validated in validation cohort. Nomograms based on preoperative variables alone and both preoperative and intraoperative variables were generated.

CONCLUSION

We identify several preoperative and intraoperative factors that are associated with increased risk for non-home discharge after major hepatectomy. Preoperative anemia represents a potentially modifiable risk factor. Nomograms for preoperative planning as well as immediately following surgery were generated.

Effects of pre-surgery physiotherapy on walking ability and lower extremity strength in patients with degenerative lumbar spine disorder: Secondary outcomes of the PREPARE randomised controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Degenerative lumbar spine disorders are common among musculoskeletal disorders. When disabling pain and radiculopathy persists after adequate course of rehabilitation and imaging confirms compressive pathology, surgical decompression is indicated. Prehabilitation aiming to augment functional capacity pre-surgery may improve physical function and activity levels pre and post-surgery. This study aims to evaluate the effect and dose-response of pre-surgery physiotherapy on quadriceps femoris strength and walking ability in patients with degenerative lumbar spine disorders compared to waiting-list controls and their association with postoperative physical activity level.

METHOD

In this single blinded, 2-arm randomised controlled trial, 197 patients were consecutively recruited. Inclusion criteria were: MRI confirmed diagnosis and scheduled for surgery due to disc herniation, lumbar spinal stenosis, degenerative disc disease or spondylolisthesis, ages 25-80 years. Patients were randomised to 9 weeks of pre-surgery physiotherapy or to waiting-list. Patient reported physical activity level, walking ability according to Oswestry Disability Index item 4, walking distance according to the SWESPINE national register and physical outcome measures including the timed ten-meter walk test, maximum voluntary isometric quadriceps femoris muscle strength, patient-rated were collected at baseline and follow-up. Parametric or non-parametric within and between group comparisons as well as multivariate regression was performed.

RESULTS

Patients who received pre-surgery physiotherapy significantly improved in all variables from baseline to follow-up (p < 0.001 - p < 0.05) and in comparison to waiting-list controls (p < 0.001 - p < 0.028). Patients adhering to ≥12 treatment sessions significantly improved in all variables (p < 0.001 - p < 0.032) and those receiving 0-11 treatment session in only normal walking speed (p0.035) but there were no significant differences when comparing dosages. Physical outcome measures after pre-surgery physiotherapy together significantly explain 27.5% of the variation in physical activity level 1 year after surgery with pre-surgery physical activity level having a significant multivariate association.

CONCLUSION

Pre-surgery physiotherapy increased walking ability and lower extremity strength in patients with degenerative lumbar spine disorders compared to waiting-list controls. A clear treatment dose-response response relationship was not found. These results implicate that pre-surgery physiotherapy can influence functional capacity before surgical treatment and has moderate associations with maintained postoperative physical activity levels mostly explained by physical activity level pre-surgery.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

NCT02454400 . Trial registration date: August 31st 2015, retrospectively registered.

Association between early pulmonary complications after abdominal surgery and preoperative physical capacity

Objective: To investigate whether early postoperative pulmonary complications after abdominal surgery are associated with a lower performance in preoperative six-minute walk test.Methods: A cross-sectional cohort study of 50 participants who underwent elective abdominal surgery and performed the six-minute walk test within 48 hours prior to surgery were conducted. Postoperative pulmonary complications up to the seventh postoperative day were obtained from medical records.Results: Overall, 25 participants developed postoperative pulmonary complications. The mean (standard deviation) preoperative walked distances of the participants with and without postoperative pulmonary complications were, respectively, 444.8 (81.3) meters and 498.3 (63.7) meters (p = .013). The incidence of postoperative pulmonary complications was greater in the participants with walked distance < 400 meters. The multivariable logistic regression model revealed a significant association between postoperative pulmonary complications and preoperative walked distance (Odds ratio = 0.978, p = .010) in participants who underwent intestinal, stomach, or bile tract resection. Conclusions: This study found a high incidence of postoperative pulmonary complications in abdominal surgery participants and an association between lower preoperative physical capacity and the risk of postoperative pulmonary complications in participants who underwent intestinal, stomach, and biliary tract resection.

A Person-Centered Prehabilitation Program Based on Cognitive-Behavioral Physical Therapy for Patients Scheduled for Lumbar Fusion Surgery: A Randomized Controlled Trial

BACKGROUND

Prehabilitation programs have led to improved postoperative outcomes in several surgical contexts, but there are presently no guidelines for the prehabilitation phase before lumbar fusion surgery.

OBJECTIVE

The objective was to investigate whether a person-centered physical therapy prehabilitation program, based on a cognitive-behavioral approach, is more effective than conventional care in reducing disability and improving functioning after lumbar fusion surgery in patients with degenerative disk disease.

DESIGN

This study was a randomized controlled trial.

SETTING

The study took place at 2 private spine clinics and 1 university hospital.

PATIENTS

We prospectively enrolled 118 patients scheduled for lumbar fusion surgery.

INTERVENTION

The active intervention used a person-centered perspective and focused on promoting physical activity and targeting psychological risk factors before surgery. The control group received conventional preoperative care.

MEASUREMENTS

The primary outcome was the Oswestry Disability Index score. Secondary outcomes were back and leg pain intensity, catastrophizing, kinesiophobia, self-efficacy, anxiety, depression, health-related quality of life, and patient-specific functioning, physical activity, and physical capacity. Data were collected on 6 occasions up to 6 months postoperatively. A linear mixed model was used to analyze the change scores of each outcome.

RESULTS

No statistically significant between-group difference was found on the primary outcome (disability) over time (baseline to 6 months). Among secondary outcome measures, a statistically significant interaction effect ("Group × Time") was seen for the European Quality of Life 5 Dimensions Questionnaire. The largest between-group difference on the European Quality of Life 5 Dimensions Questionnaire index was seen 1 week prior to surgery and favored the active intervention. The largest between-group effect sizes at the 6-month follow-up favored the active intervention, and were seen for physical activity intensity, steps per day, and the One Leg Stand Test. Both groups reached the minimal important change for the primary outcome and, in several secondary outcomes (pain intensity, back and leg; pain catastrophizing; anxiety; health-related quality of life [EQ5D VAS]), already at 8-week follow-up.

LIMITATIONS

The participants' preoperative level of disability was lower than normative values, which suggests selection bias.

CONCLUSIONS

Both interventions led to clinically important changes, but it is not clear what kind of prehabilitation program is the most effective.

Comparing Frailty Markers in Predicting Poor Outcomes after Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement

INTRODUCTION

Frailty is an important component of risk prognostication in transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). Objective markers of frailty, including sarcopenia, the modified Frailty Index (mFI), and albumin levels, have emerged, but little is known how such markers compare to each other in predicting outcomes after TAVR. We sought to define and compare these markers in predicting long-term outcomes after TAVR.

METHODS

Patients who underwent TAVR at our institution from 2011 to 2016 were included. Indexed cross-sectional areas of the lumbosacral muscles on preoperative computed tomography scans were used to assess sarcopenia. Optimal cutoffs for sarcopenia were defined using a statistically validated method. mFI was calculated using an 11-point scale of clinical characteristics. The primary outcome was 2-year all-cause mortality. Adjusted survival analysis was used to analyze outcomes.

RESULTS

A total of 381 patients were included in this study. Sarcopenia of the psoas muscles was associated with an increased risk of mortality on univariate (HR: 2.3, P = 0.01) and multivariate (HR: 2.5, P = 0.01) analysis. Sarcopenia of the paravertebral muscles was associated with increased risk of mortality only on univariate analysis (HR: 2.1, P = 0.03). Increased preoperative albumin levels were associated with decreased risk of mortality on univariate (HR: 0.3, P < 0.01) and multivariate analysis (HR: 0.3, P < 0.01). The (mFI) was not associated with mortality on univariate or multivariate analysis.

DISCUSSION

Novel cutoffs for sarcopenia of the psoas muscles were determined and associated with decreased survival after TAVR. Sarcopenia and albumin levels may be better tools for risk prediction than mFI in TAVR.

Rehabilitation before regenerative cartilage knee surgery: a new prehabilitation guideline based on the best available evidence

INTRODUCTION

Focal cartilage defects are an increasingly relevant clinical problem especially in athletes. Cartilage regenerative surgery (CRS) including microfracture and autologous chondrocyte implantation (ACI) to treat such isolated cartilage defects in the knee joint has been well established in the last two decades. In contradiction to high-level evidence concerning the surgical technique, cell-related issues, and clinical results, the knowledge about the optimal rehabilitation process is still sparse although the importance of optimizing the rehabilitation process has recently led to new research focus in this field. The preoperative time frame may be used to start rehabilitation which may fasten the postoperative recovery and optimize clinical outcome ("Prehabilitation"-PREHAB). The aim of this article, therefore, was to review the available literature on prehabilitation concepts and to present a prehabilitation guideline for CRS patients based on the best evidence available.

METHODS

A systemic literature research was conducted on rehabilitation for cartilage regenerative surgery as well as prehabilitation in knee joint procedures. From the available literature a prehabilitation concept was generated and tested in 10 ACI patients.

RESULTS

As the literature search found no studies addressing prehabilitation in CRS patients, an evidence-based PREHAB program has been compiled based on the available evidence from (a) studies addressing postoperative rehabilitation in CRS patients and (b) PREHAB studies on other knee procedures including TKA. This presented prehabilitation guideline has been tested in > 50 CRS patients and was found to be feasible as all of the patients showed a good compliance and were able to perform the protocol as suggested.

CONCLUSION

The presented PREHAB regimen may serve clinicians as a guideline for early rehabilitation of their CRS patients. Obviously, further research is mandatory to quantify its clinical effect and to demonstrate its cost-effectiveness and benefits in surgically treated patients.