Postoperative Functional Capacity Research Articles

Nutritional aspects of prehabilitation in adults with cirrhosis awaiting liver transplant.

Malnutrition, sarcopenia (low muscle mass), and physical frailty have gained increasing recognition in candidates for liver transplant (LT) as these conditions can impact postoperative functional capacity. Multidimensional prehabilitation programs have been proposed as a safe intervention in adults awaiting LT but the nutritional pillar of prehabilitation has been understudied. This review summarizes the nutritional recommendations for prehabilitation for individuals with cirrhosis awaiting LT. Three major aspects of nutritional prehabilitation are discussed: (1) Assess: Evaluate nutritional status and assess for malnutrition, sarcopenia, and frailty to guide the nutritional prehabilitation intervention intensity, increasing across universal, targeted, and specialist levels; (2) Intervene: Prescribe a nutritional prehabilitation intervention to meet established nutrition guidelines in cirrhosis with a targeted focus on improving nutritional status and muscle health; (3) Reassess: Follow-up based on the required intensity of nutritional care with as needed intervention adjustment. Topics covered in the review include nutritional care levels for prehabilitation, energy prescriptions across body mass index strata, detailed considerations around protein intake (amount, distribution, and quality), carbohydrate and fat intake, other nutritional considerations, and the potential role of dietary supplements and nutraceuticals. Future research is warranted to more accurately evaluate energy needs, evaluate emerging dietary supplementation strategies, and establish the role of nutraceuticals alongside food-based interventions. While the general principles of nutritional prehabilitation are ready for immediate application, future large-scale randomized controlled trials in this space will help to quantify the benefit that can be gained by transitioning the LT approach from passive "transplant waitlist time" to active "transplant preparation time."

Multimodal prehabilitation in elective oncological colorectal surgery enhances postoperative functional recovery: A secondary analysis of the PREHAB randomized clinical trial

IntroductionColorectal cancer (CRC) ranks as the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths. The PREHAB trial revealed that prehabilitation in colorectal surgery leads to a reduction of severe complications and enhanced functional capacity. Nevertheless, risk selection for prehabilitation and the potential benefits for patients without postoperative complications remains unclear. This study aims to assess postoperative functional capacity, also in patients without postoperative complications. Materials & methodsThis study was a secondary analysis of the PREHAB trial. Functional capacity tests, including cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET), steep ramp test (SRT), 6-min walking test (6MWT), stair climb test (SCT), 30” sit-to-stand test (STS), timed-up-and-go test (TUG), and muscle strength assessments, were conducted at baseline (T0) and 4 weeks postoperatively (T3). The primary outcome was the relative change in functional capacity from baseline to postoperative (ΔT0-T3) per group (i.e., prehabilitation vs control). Secondary, identical analysis were performed for patients without postoperative complications in each group. ResultsIntention-to-treat analysis included 251 patients. For postoperative functional capacity, prehabilitation patients showed improvements in VO2peak (p = 0.024), VO2AT (p = 0.017), SRT (p = 0.001), 6MWT (p = 0.049), SCT (p = 0.012), and STS (p = 0.001) compared to the control group. Regarding muscle strength, prehabilitation patients showed improvements in estimated 1RM lateral pull down (p = 0.016), 1RM chest press (p = 0.001), 1RM leg press (p = 0.001) and HGS (p = 0.005) compared to controls. Additionally, prehabilitation patients more often reached baseline levels at T3 in VO2AT (p = 0.037), SRT (p = 0.008), 6MWT (p = 0.013), STS (p = 0.012), estimated 1RM lateral pull down (p = 0.002), 1RM chest press (p = 0.001) and 1RM leg press (p = 0.001) compared to controls. Moreover, even patients without postoperative complications in the prehabilitation group showed better postoperative functional capacity and more often reached baseline levels at T3, compared to controls. ConclusionMultimodal prehabilitation in CRC surgery is associated with improved postoperative functional capacity, even in patients without postoperative complications.

The impact of temperament on functional and symptomatic relief and satisfaction after carpal tunnel release.

The aim of this study was to compare the symptomatic, functional and satisfaction outcomes of patients with different temperaments undergoing carpal tunnel surgery by a single surgeon. Dominant temperaments of 171 patients with carpal tunnel syndrome were determined using the Temperament Evaluation of Memphis, Pisa, Paris and San Diego Autoquestionnaire (TEMPS-A). Patients were divided into six temperament groups, and the impact of their respective group measured against preoperative and postoperative symptom severity and functional capacity using the Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire (BCTQ] and satisfaction using the Patient Evaluation Measure (PEM). Patients in the depressive group had the largest improvement in symptoms (BCTQ score change, -2.2) as well as a significant improvement in function (BCTQ score change, -2.1), yet had the lowest postoperative satisfaction (mean PEM score 9). Determination of patient temperament before surgery for carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) may be useful as an ancillary technique to help predict postoperative satisfaction, which may in turn help guide preoperative communication and expectation setting.Level of evidence: III.

Double lag-screw compression for optimal fixation of intertrochanteric fractures with large fragment gap: A technical note

Cephalomedullary nailing of unstable intertrochanteric fractures has been established as a fruitful surgical approach with relatively limited complications. Anatomic fracture reduction and proper implant positioning are vital to attaining a favorable long-term surgical outcome. Appropriate intraoperative fracture compression augments stability and invigorates healing. The amount of compression permitted by cephalomedullary nails cannot always adequately reduce large fragment gaps. This paper presents a novel technical trick of double compression of the fracture site, in order to achieve the essential extra compression and reduction when required, thus decreasing the risk of postoperative implant cut-out. The technique was used in 14 out of 277 peritrochanteric fractures treated with cephalomedullary nailing in our trauma center for 12 months, with satisfactory outcomes regarding both fracture site union and postoperative functional capacity.

Comparative effectiveness of different platelet-rich plasma for arthroscopic rotator cuff repair: A protocol for systematic review and network meta-analysis.

Background:Rotator cuff tears are one of the most common injuries of the shoulder joint in adults. Arthroscopic rotator cuff repair (ARCR) has become the gold standard for the treatment of rotator cuff injuries, but it still has a high rate of retear. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) has been widely used as an adjunct to ARCR. However, the comparative efficacy of different PRP for ARCR remain unclear. In order to evaluate the relative efficacy of PRP for individuals with ARCR, we will conduct a systematic review and network meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.Methods:A systematic literature search will be conducted in Embase, PubMed, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang Database, and Chinese Biomedical Literature Database will be searched up to October 2022. The primary outcome will focus on the retear rate at the last follow-up. The secondary outcomes include the Visual Analogue Scale for postoperative pain and functional capacity scores. The risk of bias for individual studies will be assessed according to the revised Cochrane risk-of-bias tool for randomized trials (RoB 2.0). Data analysis will be performed using R 4.1.2. Publication bias will be examined using comparison-adjusted funnel plots and Egger’s test using STATA 15.0. The quality of evidence will be assessed using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation approach.Results:The results of this study will be submitted to a peer-reviewed journal for publication.Conclusions:The review will compare the efficacy of different PRP for patients with ARCR. The result of the study will provide evidence-based medical evidence for ARCR with PRP augmentation.

Effects of pre‐surgical aerobic dance‐based exercise on lower extremity in people with morbid obesity awaiting bariatric surgery: Randomized controlled study

To investigate what are the effects of pre-surgical aerobic dance-based exercise programme (PSADBE) and physical activity counselling (PAC) programme on lower extremity functions after surgery in people with morbid obesity awaiting bariatric surgery (PMOABS). This study was a single-blind, randomized controlled study. Groups were divided into Group I (PSADBE and PAC) and Group II (PAC). Both groups received PAC, Group I completed the PSADBE programme accompanied by music for 60 min/2 days/8 weeks. Thirty-four PMOABS were included in the study. The 6-Minute Walking Test, as primary outcomes, and The Stair Climbing Up-Down Test for evaluating functional capacity, Biodex Isokinetic Test and Exercise System® for evaluating muscle strength were used. Besides, muscle endurance, physical activity (PA) level, fatigue and quality of life (QoL) were also assessed. All measurements were repeated three times; pre-treatment, post-treatment and the fifth-month post-surgery. After 8 weeks, significant changes were found in functional capacity, muscle strength and endurance, PA level, fatigue and QoL in both groups (p < .05). Comparing the groups, the changes in functional capacity, muscle strength and endurance, PA and fatigue scores after treatment and the fifth-month post-surgery were statistically superior in Group I (p < .05). Adding an 8-week PSADBE programme to PAC is an effective treatment option for improving postoperative functional capacity, muscle strength and endurance, PA level and fatigue in PMOABS.

Effects of Prehabilitation on Functional Capacity in Aged Patients Undergoing Cardiothoracic Surgeries: A Systematic Review.

Background: an increasing number of advanced age patients are considered for cardiothoracic surgeries. Prehabilitation optimizes the patients’ functional capacity and physiological reserve. However, the effectiveness of prehabilitation on physical functioning and postoperative recovery in the scope of cardiothoracic surgery is still uncertain. Objective: to assess the effectiveness of prehabilitation on pre- and/or postoperative functional capacity and physiological reserve in aged patients that are considered for cardiothoracic surgeries. Methods: this systematic review was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42021247117). The searches were conducted in PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and Cochrane CENTRAL until 18 April 2021. Randomized clinical trials that compared different prehabilitation strategies with usual care on the pre- and-postoperative results in aged patients undergoing cardiothoracic surgeries were included. Methodological quality was assessed by means of the Jadad scale, and the effectiveness of the interventions according to the Consensus on Therapeutic Exercise Training. Results: nine studies with 876 participants aged from 64 to 71.5 years old were included. Risk of bias was moderate due to the absence of double-blinding. The content of the interventions (multimodal prehabilitation n = 3; based on physical exercises n = 6) and the result measures presented wide variation, which hindered comparison across the studies. In general, the trials with better therapeutic quality (n = 6) reported more significant improvements in physical functioning, cardiorespiratory capacity, and in the postoperative results in the participants under-going prehabilitation. Conclusions: prehabilitation seems to improve functional capacity and postoperative recovery in aged patients undergoing cardiothoracic surgeries. However, due to the significant heterogeneity and questionable quality of the trials, both the effectiveness of prehabilitation and the optimum content are still to be determined.

Prehabilitation exercise therapy for cancer: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to determine the impact of prehabilitation exercise intervention with respect to (1) acceptability, feasibility, and safety; and (2) physical function, measured by 6‐minute‐walk test (6MWT).Data sourcesPRISMA guidelines were used to systematically search PubMed, Embase, and CINAHL databases evaluating prehabilitation exercise interventions.Study selectionThe inclusion criteria were studies investigating patients who underwent surgery for their cancer and underwent prehabilitation exercise.Data extraction and synthesisGuidelines were applied by independent extraction by multiple observers. Data were pooled using a random‐effects model.Main outcome(s) and measure(s)Acceptability, feasibility, and safety rates were calculated. 6MWT (maximum distance a person can walk at their own pace on a hard, flat surface, measured in meters, with longer distance indicative of better performance status) was compared using two arms using the DerSimonian and Laird method.ResultsObjective 1. Across 21 studies included in this review, 1564 patients were enrolled, 1371 (87.7%) accepted the trial; of 1371, 1230 (89.7% feasibility) completed the intervention. There was no grade 3+ toxicities. Objective 2. Meta‐analysis of five studies demonstrated a statistically significant decrease in 6MWT distance postoperatively in the control group (mean difference = +27.9 m; 95% confidence interval (CI): 9.3; 46.6) and a significant improvement postoperatively in the prehabilitation group (mean difference = −24.1 m; 95% CI: −45.7; −2.6). Meta‐analysis demonstrated improvements in 6MWT distance 4–8 weeks postoperatively in the prehabilitation group compared to the control group (mean difference = −58.0 m, 95% CI: −92.8; −23.3).Conclusions and relevancePrehabilitation exercise for cancer patients undergoing surgery was found to be safe, acceptable, and feasible with a statistically significant improvement in the 6MWT, indicating that prehabilitation can improve postoperative functional capacity.

The Potential of Prehabilitation in Radical Cystectomy Pathways: Where Are We Now?

The growing recognition of prehabilitation has caused an emerging paradigm shift in surgical cancer care and an integrated component of the cancer care continuum. This narrative review aims to update and inform the urological community of the potential of prehabilitation before radical cystectomy. A nonsystematic narrative review was performed through a database search in PubMed, and CINAHL using the following search terms: enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS); Frailty; Prehabilitation and/or Rehabilitation; Physical Activity and/or exercises; Nutrition; Nutritional Care; Smoking cessation; Alcohol cessation; Prevention; Supportive Care; and combined with Radical Cystectomy. A multimodal and multi-professional approach during the preoperative period may offer an opportunity to preserve or enhance physiological integrity and optimize surgical recovery. Studies indicate a positive effect of prehabilitation on postoperative functional capacity and earlier return to daily activities and health related quality of life. Meaningful outcomes that reflect recovery from a patient's perspective and clinical outcome measures, as well as validating metrics, are necessary to establish whether prehabilitation diminish the risk of developing long-term disability in high-risk patients. Uro-oncology nurses are at the forefront in every ERAS program and vital in screening patients ahead of surgery for common risk factors, current impairments, and limitations that can compromise baseline functional capacity. The growing movement to standardize clinical implementation of prehabilitation, indicate there is a clear need for further investigation, optimization of a multimodal approach and an open discussion between health care providers from different areas of expertise who might best support and promote these initiatives.

Left atrial strain as a pre-operative prognostic marker for patients with severe primary mitral regurgitation

Abstract Background For patients with severe mitral regurgitation (MR), new indices are needed to optimize surgical timing before irreversible myocardial dysfunction. Purpose We investigated the prognostic role of left atrial (LA) strain by speckle tracking echocardiography after mitral surgery for severe MR, and its association with LA fibrosis. Methods 70 patients with primary severe MR undergoing echocardiography before mitral surgery were enrolled. Patients with other valvular disease &amp;gt; moderate, left bundle branch block, coronary artery disease, heart failure (HF), pacemaker implantation, heart transplantation, poor acoustic window, were excluded. The primary composite endpoint included HF and mortality; the secondary endpoint was post-operative functional capacity (NYHA and Borg CR10). LA fibrosis was assessed by atrial biopsy specimens. Results Of 62 patients eligible, 32 had composite events (medium follow-up: 3.3±2.5 years for event-group, 7.6±1 years for non-event group). Characteristics of our study population are summarized in Table 1. With Kaplan-Meier analysis (Fig. 1), PALS provided a good risk stratification; it also was an independent and incremental predictor of outcome in four multivariate Cox adjusted models. There was a strong association between PALS and secondary endpoint (NYHA: r2=0.11, p=0.04; Borg CR10: r2=0.10, p=0.02) and an inverse correlation between PALS &amp;lt;21% and LA fibrosis (r2=0.80; 76.6±20.7% vs 31.9±20.8%; p&amp;lt;0.0001). Conclusions Global PALS emerged as a reliable predictor of outcome and functional capacity for severe primary MR, and as a marker of LA fibrosis. Figure 1 Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding source: None

Cardiopulmonary exercise testing as a guideline indicator for mitral valve intervention

Abstract Background Primary mitral regurgitation (MR) is one of the most common heart valvular pathologies. However, optimum timing of surgery remains controversial. Purpose To describe changes in cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) parameters after surgery for severe primary MR. Methods In a single centre prospective study, patients undergoing surgery under current ESC guidelines for severe primary MR underwent assessment with transthoracic echocardiogram, CPET, cardiac MRI and quality of life questionnaire pre-operatively and at six months after surgery. The primary outcome was a per protocol analysis of impaired post-operative functional capacity (defined as post-operative left ventricular ejection fraction on transthoracic echocardiogram &amp;lt;50% and/or post-operative percentage predicted peak VO2 ≤84%). Results 43 of the 50 patients recruited between February 2017 and October 2018 were included in the per protocol analysis. Thirty five patients (72.9%) had impaired post-operative functional capacity. In the overall cohort (n=43), there was a significant fall post-operatively in percentage predicted peak VO2 (ppVO2) (81.8±15.7% vs. 76.2±16.2%, p&amp;lt;0.01) and anaerobic threshold (AT) (48.0±11.1% vs. 44.3±10.1%, p=0.01). In patients with a class I indication for surgery (n=30), there was no significant change post-operatively in ppVO2 (79.6±15.7% vs. 75.6±16.7%, p=0.09) or AT (49.9±11.4% vs. 46.4±10.2%, p-0.09). However, in patients with a class II indication for surgery (n=13), there was a significant change post-operatively in ppVO2 (86.9±15.1% vs. 77.4±15.9%, p&amp;lt;0.01), but not in AT (43.5±9.6% vs. 39.5±8.3%, p=0.16). In the multivariable analysis, pre-operative left ventricular ejection fraction ≤60% (hazard ratio, 1.69; 95% confidence interval, 1.56 to 480.1, p=0.04) and pre-operative percentage predicted peak VO2 ≤84% (hazard ratio, 1.22; 95% confidence interval, 2.13 to 107.1, p&amp;lt;0.01) were independent predictors for impaired post-operative functional capacity. Conclusions Pre-operative percentage predicted peak VO2 ≤84% is an independent predictor of impaired post-operative functional capacity. Subject to a confirmatory study, this may help to refine current ESC guidelines for intervention for severe primary MR. Change in ppVO2 after surgery Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding source: Foundation. Main funding source(s): Rosetrees Trust and Friends of Hammersmith Hospital

Effect of preparative rehabilitation on recovery after cardiac surgery: A systematic review.

Physical prehabilitation (preparative rehabilitation) programs may have beneficial effects on enhancing physical strength and functional status before surgery, but their effects on postoperative recovery are unclear. This systematic review investigated the effectiveness of physical prehabilitation programs before cardiac surgery on postoperative recovery and other perioperative outcomes. We searched for reports of randomised controlled trials of any prehabilitation programs that included physical activity or an exercise training component in adults undergoing elective cardiac surgery, published in any language, from six bibliographic databases (last search on June 20, 2019). We assessed trials for risk of bias, overall certainty of evidence and quality of intervention reporting using the Cochrane Risk of Bias Assessment Tool, GRADE system and the Template for Intervention Description and Replication checklist and guide, respectively. All 7 studies (726 participants) were at high risk of bias because of lack of blinding. The quality of prehabilitation reporting was moderate because program adherence was rarely assessed. The timing of prehabilitation ranged from 5 days to 16 weeks before surgery and from face-to-face exercise prescription to telephone counselling and monitoring. We found uncertain effects of prehabilitation on postoperative clinical outcomes (among the many outcomes assessed): perioperative mortality (Peto odds ratio 1.30, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.28 to 5.95; I2=0%; low-certainty evidence) and postoperative atrial fibrillation (relative risk 0.75, 95% CI 0.38 to 1.46; I2=50%; very low-certainty evidence). However, prehabilitation may improve postoperative functional capacity and slightly shorten the hospital stay (mean difference -0.66 days, 95% CI -1.29 to -0.03; I2=45%; low-certainty evidence). Despite the high heterogeneity among physical prehabilitation trials and the uncertainty regarding robust clinical outcomes, physical prehabilitation before cardiac surgery seems to enhance selected postoperative functional performance measures and slightly reduce the hospital length of stay after cardiac surgery.

Left atrial strain as a pre-operative prognostic marker for patients with severe mitral regurgitation

BackgroundIn patients with severe mitral regurgitation (MR), additional echocardiographic indices could be helpful to optimize surgical timing before irreversible left heart myocardial dysfunction has occurred. We investigated the correlation of left atrial (LA) strain by speckle tracking echocardiography with prognosis after mitral surgery for severe MR, and its association with LA fibrosis. Method71 patients with primary severe MR undergoing pre-operative echocardiographic assessment were initially enrolled. Exclusion criteria were: other valvular disease>moderate, history of coronary artery disease, heart failure (HF), hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, left bundle branch block, previous pacemaker implantation, heart transplantation, poor acoustic window.The primary endpoint was the occurrence of composite events (HF and mortality); the secondary endpoint was post-operative functional capacity (NYHA and Borg CR10 class). LA fibrosis was assessed by atrial biopsy specimens in a subset of patients. ResultsOf 65 eligible patients, the primary endpoint occurred in 30 patients (medium follow-up: 3.7 ± 1 years for event-group, 6.8 ± 1 years for non-event group). After Kaplan-Meier analysis, peak atrial longitudinal strain (PALS) provided good risk stratification (5-year event-free survival:90 ± 5% for PALS≥21% vs 30 ± 9% for PALS<21%, p < 0.0001); it was an independent and incremental predictor of outcome in four multivariate Cox adjusted models. There was also an association between PALS and the secondary endpoint (NYHA: r2 = 0.11, p = 0.04; Borg CR10: r2 = 0.10, p = 0.02) and an inverse correlation between PALS<21% and LA fibrosis (r2 0.80, fibrosis: 76.6 ± 20.7% vs 31.9 ± 20.8%;p < 0.0001). ConclusionsGlobal PALS emerged as a reliable predictor of outcome and functional capacity for severe primary MR, and as a marker of LA fibrosis.

Effect Of Forearm Flexors/extensors Strength Training On Functional Capacity After Open Carpal Tunnel Release

Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a common peripheral neuropathy of the upper extremity. Open release surgery for CTS may affect post-operative functional capacity of the operated hand. PURPOSE: This pilot study examined the effects of a progressive strength training program of the forearm flexors and extensors on functional and clinical parameters after open carpal tunnel release (OCTR). METHODS: Seven patients with CTS (5 females and 2 males (age: 57.7 ± 4.8 yrs, height: 169.0±2.5 cm, body mass: 82.0±4.1 kg, BMI: 28.7±1.4) underwent OCTR and then were randomly divided into two groups, the control group (CG; n=4) which received usual physical therapy care, and the intervention group (IG; n=3) which, in addition to the usual care, followed a 9-week strength training program of the wrist flexors/extensors (3 sets of 10 reps, 4 days/week) started 3 weeks after surgery. Hand grip strength (HGS Test), hand pinch strength (HPS Test) and sensibility (Two-point Discrimination Test-TPDT) were assessed before and 3, 6 and 12 weeks after surgery, while load for strength training was set at 2% of the maximal grip strength and was readjusted accordingly during the experimental period. Patients also completed the Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire (BCTQ) before and 12 weeks after surgery. Two-way ANOVA was used for statistics and data are presented as mean±SE. RESULTS: No significant main effect was found for groups or time (p>0.05) in HGS (IG: 31.1±8.2 kg, CG: 27.2±4.6 kg), HPS (IG: 8.0±4.6 kg, CG: 8.5±4.2 kg) and TPDT (IG: 2.0±0.2, CG: 2.5±0.3) at 12 weeks compared to pre-surgery values: HGS (IG: 27.6±12.9 kg, CG: 28.7±6.5 kg), HPS (IG: 7.1±4.1 kg, CG: 8.8±4.4 kg) and TPDT (IG: 2.3±0.4, CG: 3.3±0.4). In BCTQ, no differences were found between groups (p>0.05), however a significant main effect for time (p<0.05) was revealed at 12 weeks (IG: 1.8±0.68, CG: 1.5±0.4) compared to pre-surgery (IG: 3.8±0.76, CG: 3.4±0.5). CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that the addition of the selected muscle strength training program to usual care after OCTR does not appear to add significant benefits to the functional recovery of those patients. Further research utilizing a larger number of patients and other strength training protocols is needed to reveal the potential role of wrist muscle strength training in functional capacity of patients with CTS after OCTR.

Prehabilitation for Prostate cancer surgery.

Prostatectomy is associated with short- and long-term morbidity, which includes attenuation of cardiovascular and muscle function, as well as the deterioration of lean body mass. Physical function is a known predictor of morbidity and mortality, with initial evidence indicating that pre-surgical exercise is associated with fewer post-surgical complications and shorter hospitalisation. Prehabilitation has been previously shown to be more effective in enhancing postoperative functional capacity than rehabilitation alone. Evidence grows indicating benefits to clinical, physical and quality of life outcomes. Exercising within this critical period between cancer diagnosis and surgery allows the usage of surgical wait time to promote and facilitate health behaviour changes that can lead to altering prostate cancer patient management. By combining exercise with a nutritional and psychological intervention a prostate cancer patient can be set up to significantly improve preoperative physical and mental fitness in preparation for surgery and beyond.

Prehabilitation in patients awaiting elective coronary artery bypass graft surgery – effects on functional capacity and quality of life: a randomized controlled trial

Objective: To determine the impact of an exercise-based prehabilitation (EBPrehab) program on pre- and postoperative exercise capacity, functional capacity (FC) and quality of life (QoL) in patients awaiting elective coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG). Design: A two-group randomized controlled trail. Setting: Ambulatory prehabilitation. Subjects: Overall 230 preoperative elective CABG-surgery patients were randomly assigned to an intervention (IG, n = 88; n = 27 withdrew after randomization) or control group (CG, n = 115). Intervention: IG: two-week EBPrehab including supervised aerobic exercise. CG: usual care. Main measures: At baseline (T1), one day before surgery (T2), at the beginning (T3) and at the end of cardiac rehabilitation (T4) the following measurements were performed: cardiopulmonary exercise test, six-minute walk test (6MWT), Timed-Up-and-Go Test (TUG) and QoL (MacNew questionnaire). Results: A total of 171 patients (IG, n = 81; CG, n = 90) completed the study. During EBPrehab no complications occurred. Preoperatively FC (6MWTIG: 443.0 ± 80.1 m to 493.5 ± 75.5 m, P = 0.003; TUGIG: 6.9 ± 2.0 s to 6.1 ± 1.8 s, P = 0.018) and QoL (IG: 5.1 ± 0.9 to 5.4 ± 0.9, P < 0.001) improved significantly more in IG compared to CG. Similar effects were observed postoperatively in FC (6MWDIG: Δ-64.7 m, pT1–T3 = 0.013; Δ+47.2 m, pT1–T4 < 0.001; TUGIG: Δ+1.4 s, pT1–T3 = 0.003). Conclusions: A short-term EBPrehab is effective to improve perioperative FC and preoperative QoL in patients with stable coronary artery disease awaiting CABG-surgery. ID: NCT04111744 (www.ClinicalTrials.gov; Preoperative Exercise Training for Patients Undergoing Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Surgery- A Prospective Randomized Trial)

Influence of Bentall Procedure on Left Ventricular Function.

ObjectiveTo evaluate the influence of Bentall procedure on left ventricular function and condition on long-term follow-up.MethodsSeventy-three consecutive patients who underwent an aortic root and ascending aorta replacement with composite valve button Bentall or flanged Bentall technique, from January 2007 to November 2018, were included in this retrospective study.ResultsPostoperative left ventricular ejection fraction significantly increased (52.14±11.38 vs. 56.79±11.36; P=0.041), left ventricular end-systolic diameter significantly reduced (38.25±9.31 mm vs. 34.17±9.15 mm; P=0.027), left ventricular end-diastolic diameter significantly reduced (56.42±9.72 mm vs. 51.58±9.03 mm; P=0.01), and left atrial diameter significantly reduced (45.33±12.77 mm vs. 39.25±12.41 mm; P=0.01), compared to preoperative values. Our long-term survival results are comparable with previous studies in which survival rates in 5 years and 10 years were 83.5% and 69.8%, respectively. In comparing patients according to their New York Heart Association (NYHA) functional class, it was shown that their postoperative functional capacity was improved during the follow-up period (2.1±0.56 vs. 1.2±0.42; P=0.001).ConclusionThe Bentall procedure significantly improved the left ventricular systolic function and condition and decreased the left ventricular end-systolic and end-diastolic diameters and the left atrial diameter on long-term follow-up, based on the transthoracic echocardiography. Bentall procedure can be performed with acceptable mortality and morbidity rates on long-term follow-up.

Effectiveness of Pre-operative Respiratory Muscle Training versus Conventional Treatment for Improving Post operative Pulmonary Health after Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting.

Objective:To evaluate the Effectiveness of Pre-operative Respiratory Muscle Training versus Conventional Treatment for Improving post-operative pulmonary health after Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Surgery (CABG).Methods:A Prospective Randomized clinical trial was performed on sixty patients who underwent elective CABG at Faisalabad Institute of Cardiology. At the time of admission all patients were subjected to 6-minutes’ walk test (6MWT) as baseline. The subjects were then divided into two groups. The Group-I was subjected to respiratory muscle training whereas the Group-2 received the routine preoperative care. The 6-minute walk test (6MWT) was then repeated a day before surgery (pre-operative) and before discharge (post-operatively). Duration of post-operative mechanical ventilation, oxygen therapy and hospital stay were also noted as outcome measures of this study.Results:The pre-operative and post-operative readings showed that the patients in the interventional group performed better than the control group in their 6MWT with P-value of less than 0.05. Similarly the interventional group had shorter duration of mechanical ventilation, dependence on oxygen therapy and postoperative hospital stay as compared with the control group showing P-values below 0.05.Conclusion:The results showed that respiratory muscle training results in improved postoperative functional capacity and reduces of hospital stay.

Evaluation of the effectiveness of preoperative outpatient pulmonary preparation in patients undergoing esophageal surgery

Abstract Introduction: Preoperative inspiratory muscle training (IMT) can minimize the occurrence of complications after esophagectomy. Objective: To evaluate the effects of preoperative IMT in patients undergoing esophageal surgery by determining respiratory muscle strength (PImax and PEmax), pulmonary function (FEV1, FVC, FEV1/FVC) and functional capacity by the 6-minute walk test (6MWT). Methods: Twenty-two patients were randomized into two groups: a control group (CG; n = 10) and an intervention group (IG; n = 12). Only IG performed IMT for a minimum period of 2 weeks. The assessments were conducted pre- and post-surgery. Results: An increase of PImax was observed in IG, but not in CG, in the second preoperative assessment (p = 0.014). Assessment on postoperative day 1 showed a reduction in maximal respiratory pressures in the two groups, but the reduction was more marked in IG (p &lt; 0.05). Partial recovery of the variables evaluated was observed at discharge in the two groups. These variables had fully returned to initial values on postoperative day 30. The distance walked in the 6MWT was greater in IG, but the difference was not significant (p = 0.166). There was no difference in the frequency of pulmonary complications between groups. Conclusion: Preoperative IMT performed in our study improved inspiratory muscle strength but did not influence the postoperative pulmonary function or functional capacity of patients undergoing esophagectomy.

Feasibility and acceptability of PrE-operative Physical Activity to improve patient outcomes After major cancer surgery: study protocol for a pilot randomised controlled trial (PEPA Trial)

BackgroundThere is a need for evidence of the effectiveness of pre-operative exercise for patients undergoing major cancer surgery; however, recruitment to such trials can be challenging. The PrE-operative Physical Activity (PEPA) Trial will establish the feasibility and acceptability of a pre-operative exercise programme aimed to improve patient outcomes after cytoreductive surgery and pelvic exenteration. The secondary aim is to obtain pilot data on the likely difference in key outcomes (post-operative complications, length of hospital stay, post-operative functional capacity and quality of life) to inform the sample size calculation for the substantive randomised clinical trial.Methods/designTwenty patients undergoing cytoreductive surgery and pelvic exenteration at the Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Sydney will be recruited and randomly allocated (1:1 ratio) to either 2 to 6 weeks’ pre-operative exercise programme (intervention group) or usual care (control group). Those randomised to the intervention group will receive up to six individualised, 1-h physiotherapy sessions (including aerobic and endurance exercises, respiratory muscle exercises, stretching and flexibility exercises), home exercises (instruction and recommendations on how to progress the exercises at home) and encouragement to be more active by using an activity tracker to measure the number of steps walked daily. Patients allocated to the control group will not receive any specific advice about exercise training. Feasibility will be assessed with consent rates to the study, and for the intervention group, retention and adherence rates to the exercise programme. Acceptability of the exercise programme will be assessed with a semi-structured questionnaire. The following measures of the effectiveness of the intervention will be collected at baseline (2 to 6 weeks pre-operative), a week before surgery, during hospital stay and pre hospital discharge: post-operative complication rates (Clavien-Dindo), post-operative functional capacity (Six-minute Walk Test) and quality of life (SF-36v2®) and length of hospital stay. Functional status will be additionally measured using Cardiopulmonary Exercise Testing (CPET), at baseline and within a week before surgery.DiscussionThe PEPA Trial will provide important information about the feasibility and acceptability of a pre-operative exercise programme for patients undergoing major cancer surgery. Data from the PEPA Trial will be used to inform the design, methodology and to calculate sample size required for a larger, definitive trial.Trial registrationAustralian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry, ID: ACTRN12617001129370. Registered on 1 August 2017.