Physical Activity and Outcomes in Colorectal Surgery: A Pilot Prospective Cohort Study

Analyzing postoperative complications in colorectal cancer surgery: a systematic review enhanced by artificial intelligence

INTRODUCTION

Colorectal cancer stands as a predominant cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide. Despite progressive strides in surgical methodologies, the specter of postoperative complications is very large, significantly impacting both morbidity and mortality rates. This review aims to meticulously examine existing scholarly works to gauge the prevalence, severity, and therapeutic approaches to postoperative complications arising from colorectal cancer surgeries.

METHODS

Employing a systematic approach, this study reviewed 135 peer-reviewed publications from the period of 2000-2023. The corpus was organized into categories reflective of the postoperative complications discussed: anastomotic leakage, port-site metastases, small bowel adhesions and obstructions, thrombosis, ileus, postoperative infections, urinary dysfunctions, and cardiovascular dysfunctions. Advanced artificial intelligence tools were leveraged for in-depth literature searches and semantic analyses to pinpoint research lacunae.

RESULTS

The analysis revealed that anastomotic leakage and postoperative infections garnered the majority of academic focus, representing 35% and 25% of the studies, respectively. Conversely, port-site metastases and cardiovascular dysfunctions were less frequently examined, accounting for merely 5% and 3% of the literature. The reviewed studies indicate a disparity in the reported prevalence rates of each complication, oscillating between 3% and 20%. Furthermore, the review identified a dearth of evidence-based management protocols, underscored by a pronounced heterogeneity in treatment guidelines.

CONCLUSIONS

The literature is replete with analyses on anastomotic leakage and postoperative infections; however, there exists a glaring scarcity of exhaustive research on other postoperative complications. This review emphasizes the pressing need for uniform treatment guidelines and spotlights areas in dire need of further research, aiming at the comprehensive enhancement of patient outcomes following colorectal cancer surgery.

Early mobilization after pancreatic surgery: A randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Pancreatic surgery has long been burdened with high postoperative morbidity. Early mobilization has been advocated to prevent complications and improve functional capacity. However, there is a lack of high-quality evidence supporting how to implement early mobilization and its independent impact on postoperative outcomes. The aim of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of implementing early mobilization in reducing postoperative complications and enhancing recovery in patients undergoing pancreatic surgery.

METHODS

We conducted a single-blind, randomized trial in patients who underwent pancreatic surgery in a tertiary hospital in China. Eligible participants were randomly assigned to either the control group or the intervention group. Patients in the control group received usual care, whereas those in the intervention group received the early enforced mobilization protocol. The protocol consisted of 2 key components: professional assistance with the first ambulation on postoperative day 1 and family-involved supervision to achieve daily walking goals. The primary outcome was postoperative complications within 30 days, measured by the Comprehensive Complication Index. Secondary outcomes were postoperative mobilization, time to recovery of gastrointestinal function, postoperative pulmonary complications, pancreatic surgery-specific complications, patient-reported outcome measures, and 30-day readmission and mortality.

RESULTS

A total of 135 patients were enrolled: 67 in the intervention group and 68 in the control group. The median Comprehensive Complication Index was not statistically significant between groups (mean difference -1.7; 95% confidence interval -8.7 to 0). Patients in the intervention group had earlier first ambulation postoperatively, walked greater distances on postoperative days 1-7, and had earlier time to first defecation. Trends for improvement in patient-reported outcomes showed that scores of Quality of Recovery 15 at postoperative day 3, physical function of Quality of Life Questionnaire C30 at postoperative day 7, and global quality of life at postoperative day 30 were significantly greater in the intervention group. There was no between-group difference in other domains of the Quality of Life Questionnaire C30 or other secondary outcome measures.

CONCLUSION

Early enforced mobilization intervention did not reduce postoperative complications of patients undergoing pancreatic surgery, but it can enhance postoperative mobilization and improve the recovery of gastrointestinal function and patient-perceived quality of recovery.

Relation of Early Mobility With Gastrointestinal Symptoms and Pain in Patients Undergoing Abdominal Surgery

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to examine the relation of mobility with abdominal symptoms and pain in patients undergoing abdominal surgery.

DESIGN

The study has a prospective, correlational design.

METHODS

The study sample included 130 patients who underwent abdominal surgery. Data were gathered with a sociodemographic and clinical features form, the Patient and Observer Mobility Scale, a patient mobility checklist, the Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale, and the Numeric Pain Rating Scale. Higher scores on the Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale show more severe symptoms (max scores: 21 on abdominal pain, 14 on reflux, 21 on diarrhea, 28 on distension, and 21 on constipation). The frequency of mobility and the severity of pain was evaluated from the postoperative first day until discharge. Gastrointestinal symptoms were evaluated on the postoperative seventh day.

FINDINGS

The mean time elapsing till the first postoperative mobility was 22.13 ± 0.57 hours. The mean score was 7.61 ± 0.19 on abdominal pain, 11.94 ± 0.23 on distension, 2.04 ± 0.32 on reflux, 5.02 ± 0.32 on diarrhea, and 4.65 ± 0.24 on constipation. As the difficulty in mobility increased, the frequency of patient mobility decreased, and pain severity increased. As the difficulty in mobility increased, so did the duration of abdominal pain, diarrhea, indigestion, reflux, and time elapsing until the first intestinal gas passed after surgery. As the frequency of mobility increased, abdominal pain, diarrhea, and time elapsing till the first intestinal gas after surgery decreased.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of the study showed that increased mobility had a positive relationship with the reduction of gastrointestinal symptoms and pain. Therefore, interventions directed toward increasing patient mobility should be performed.

Factors impacting early mobilization according to the Enhanced Recovery After Surgery guideline following gastrointestinal surgery: A prospective study

AIM

Evidence shows that early mobilization according to the Enhanced Recovery After Surgery guideline promotes postoperative recovery in gastrointestinal cancer patients undergoing gastrointestinal surgery. However, compliance with the guideline in clinical settings remains low. This study aimed to investigate the factors influencing early mobilization after surgery.

METHODS

A prospective research design was used. Data from 470 patients with gastrointestinal cancer who underwent gastrointestinal surgery between February 2021 and July 2022 were collected.

RESULTS

More than half (53.6%) of the patients met the criteria for early mobilization. Females (odds ratio [OR], 1.53; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.02-2.29), age 〉70 years (OR, 1.76; 95% CI, 1.09-2.86), low level of education (OR, 1.98; 95% CI, 1.12-3.95), and ≥4 catheters (OR, 1.86; 95% CI, 1.25-2.76) were barriers to early mobilization.

CONCLUSIONS

Sex, age, education, and the number of catheters were found to be significant factors associated with non-early mobilization after gastrointestinal surgery. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2024; 24: 234-239.

Effect of prehabilitation on patients with frailty undergoing colorectal cancer surgery: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Purpose

The effect of prehabilitation in patients with frailty undergoing colorectal cancer surgery remains controversial. This meta-analysis aimed to assess the impact of prehabilitation before colorectal surgery on the functional outcomes and postoperative complications in patients with frailty undergoing colorectal cancer surgery.

Methods

PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, and Scopus databases were searched for articles published up to November 9, 2022. We included randomized and non-randomized trials in which the effects of prehabilitation in patients with frailty undergoing colorectal cancer surgery were investigated against a control group. Data extracted for our meta-analysis included the 6-minute walk test (6MWT), postoperative incidence of complications (Clavien-Dindo classification ≥IIIa), comprehensive complication index (CCI), and length of stay (LOS) in the hospital.

Results

Compared with the control group, we found a significant improvement in the incidence of postoperative complications and shorter LOS in the hospital in the prehabilitation group. However, the 6MWT and CCI results showed no significant differences between the 2 groups.

Conclusion

Prehabilitation in patients with frailty who underwent colorectal cancer surgery improved the incidence of postoperative complications and LOS in the hospital. Hence, clinicians should consider conducting or recommending prehabilitation exercises prior to colorectal cancer surgery in patients with frailty.

Accelerometer-measured Inpatient Physical Activity and Associated Outcomes after Major Abdominal Surgery: A Systematic Review (Preprint)

BACKGROUND

It remains unclear how inpatient physical activity after major abdominal surgery affects outcomes. Accelerometer research may provide further evidence for postoperative mobilization.

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to summarize the current literature evaluating the impact of accelerometer-measured postoperative physical activity on outcomes after major abdominal surgery.

METHODS

We searched PubMed and Google Scholar in October 2021 to conduct a systematic review. Studies were included if they used accelerometers to measure inpatient physical behaviors immediately after major abdominal surgery, defined as any nonobstetric procedures performed under general anesthesia requiring hospital admission. Studies were eligible only if they evaluated the effects of physical activity on postoperative outcomes such as postoperative complications, return of gastrointestinal function, hospital length of stay, discharge destination, and readmissions. We excluded studies involving participants aged <18 years. Risk of bias was assessed using the risk-of-bias assessment tool for nonrandomized studies (RoBANS) for observational studies and the revised Cochrane risk-of-bias tool for randomized trials (RoB 2) for randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Findings were summarized by qualitative synthesis.

RESULTS

We identified 15 studies. Risk of bias was high in 14 (93%) of the 15 studies. Most of the studies (11/15, 73%) had sample sizes of <100. Of the 15 studies, 13 (87%) included the general surgery population, 1 (7%) was a study of patients who had undergone gynecologic surgery, and 1 (7%) included a mixed (abdominal, thoracic, gynecologic, and orthopedic) surgical population. Of the 15 studies, 12 (80%) used consumer-grade accelerometers to measure physical behaviors. Step count was the most commonly reported physical activity outcome (12/15, 80%). In the observational studies (9/15, 60%), increased physical activity during the immediate postoperative period was associated with earlier return of gastrointestinal function, fewer surgical and pulmonary complications, shorter hospital length of stay, and fewer readmissions. In the RCTs (6/15, 40%), only 1 (17%) of the 6 studies demonstrated improved outcomes (shorter time to flatus and hospital length of stay) when a mobility-enhancing intervention was compared with usual care. Notably, mobility-enhancing interventions used in 4 (67%) of the 6 RCTs did not result in increased postoperative physical activity.

CONCLUSIONS

Although observational studies show strong associations between postoperative physical activity and outcomes after major abdominal surgery, RCTs have not proved the benefit of mobility-enhancing interventions compared with usual care. The overall risk of bias was high, and we could not synthesize specific recommendations for postoperative mobilization. Future research would benefit from improving study design, increasing methodologic rigor, and measuring physical behaviors beyond step counts to understand the impact of postoperative mobilization on outcomes after major abdominal surgery.

Personal Devices to Monitor Physical Activity and Nutritional Intake After Colorectal Cancer Surgery: Feasibility Study

BACKGROUND

The use of self-monitoring devices is promising for improving perioperative physical activity and nutritional intake.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to assess the feasibility, usability, and acceptability of a physical activity tracker and digital food record in persons scheduled for colorectal cancer (CRC) surgery.

METHODS

This observational cohort study was conducted at a large training hospital between November 2019 and November 2020. The study population consisted of persons with CRC between 18- and 75 years of age who were able to use a smartphone or tablet and scheduled for elective surgery with curative intent. Excluded were persons not proficient in Dutch or following a protein-restricted diet. Participants used an activity tracker (Fitbit Charge 3) from 4 weeks before until 6 weeks after surgery. In the week before surgery (preoperative) and the fifth week after surgery (postoperative), participants also used a food record for 1 week. They shared their experience regarding usability (system usability scale, range 0-100) and acceptability (net promoter score, range -100 to +100).

RESULTS

In total, 28 persons were included (n=16, 57% male, mean age 61, SD 8 years), and 27 shared their experiences. Scores regarding the activity tracker were as follows: preoperative median system usability score, 85 (IQR 73-90); net promoter score, +65; postoperative median system usability score, 78 (IQR 68-85); net promotor score, +67. The net promoter scores regarding the food record were +37 (preoperative) and-7 (postoperative).

CONCLUSIONS

The perioperative use of a physical activity tracker is considered feasible, usable, and acceptable by persons with CRC in this study. Preoperatively, the use of a digital food record was acceptable, and postoperatively, the acceptability decreased.

Timed up and go test and long-term survival in older adults after oncologic surgery

BACKGROUND

Physical performance tests are a reflection of health in older adults. The Timed Up and Go test is an easy-to-administer tool measuring physical performance. In older adults undergoing oncologic surgery, an impaired TUG has been associated with higher rates of postoperative complications and increased short term mortality. The objective of this study is to investigate the association between physical performance and long term outcomes.

METHODS

Patients aged ≥65 years undergoing surgery for solid tumors in three prospective cohort studies, 'PICNIC', 'PICNIC B-HAPPY' and 'PREOP', were included. The TUG was administered 2 weeks before surgery, a score of ≥12 seconds was considered to be impaired. Primary endpoint was 5-year survival, secondary endpoint was 30-day major complications. Survival proportions were estimated using Kaplan-Meier curves. Cox- and logistic regression analysis were used for survival and complications respectively. Hazard ratios (aHRs) and Odds ratios (aOR) were adjusted for literature-based and clinically relevant variables, and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) were estimated using multivariable models.

RESULTS

In total, 528 patients were included into analysis. Mean age was 75 years (SD 5.98), in 123 (23.3%) patients, the TUG was impaired. Five-year survival proportions were 0.56 and 0.49 for patients with normal TUG and impaired TUG respectively. An impaired TUG was an independent predictor of increased 5-year mortality (aHR 1.43, 95% CI 1.02-2.02). The TUG was not a significant predictor of 30-day major complications (aOR 1.46, 95% CI 0.70-3.06).

CONCLUSIONS

An impaired TUG is associated with increased 5-year mortality in older adults undergoing surgery for solid tumors. It requires further investigation whether an impaired TUG can be reversed and thus improve long-term outcomes.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

The PICNIC studies are registered in the Dutch Clinical Trial database at www.trialregister.nl: NL4219 (2010-07-22) and NL4441 (2014-06-01). The PREOP study was registered with the Dutch trial registry at www.trialregister.nl: NL1497 (2008-11-28) and in the United Kingdom register (Research Ethics Committee reference 10/H1008/59).  https://www.hra.nhs.uk/planning-and-improving-research/application-summaries/research-summaries/?page=15&query=preop&date_from=&date_to=&research_type=&rec_opinion=&relevance=true .

Smartphone-Based Gait Cadence to Identify Older Adults with Decreased Functional Capacity

<b><i>Background:</i></b> Functional capacity assessment is a critical step in the preoperative evaluation to identify patients at increased risk of cardiac complications and disability after major noncardiac surgery. Smartphones offer the potential to objectively measure functional capacity but are limited by inaccuracy in patients with poor functional capacity. Open-source methods exist to analyze accelerometer data to estimate gait cadence (steps/min), which is directly associated with activity intensity. Here, we used an updated Step Test smartphone application with an open-source method to analyze accelerometer data to estimate gait cadence and functional capacity in older adults. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> We performed a prospective observational cohort study within the Frailty, Activity, Body Composition and Energy Expenditure in Aging study at the University of Chicago. Participants completed the Duke Activity Status Index (DASI) and performed an in-clinic 6-min walk test (6MWT) while using the Step Test application on a study smartphone. Gait cadence was measured from the raw accelerometer data using an adaptive empirical pattern transformation method, which has been previously validated. A 6MWT distance of 370 m was used as an objective threshold to identify patients at high risk. We performed multivariable logistic regression to predict walking distance using a priori explanatory variables. <b><i>Results:</i></b> Sixty patients were enrolled in the study. Thirty-seven patients completed the protocol and were included in the final data analysis. The median (IQR) age of the overall cohort was 71 (69–74) years, with a body mass index of 31 (27–32). There were no differences in any clinical characteristics or functional measures between participants that were able to walk 370 m during the 6MWT and those that could not walk that distance. Median (IQR) gait cadence for the entire cohort was 110 (102–114) steps/min during the 6MWT. Median (IQR) gait cadence was higher in participants that walked more than 370 m during the 6MWT 112 (108–118) versus 106 (96–114) steps/min; <i>p</i> = 0.0157). The final multivariable model to identify participants that could not walk 370 m included only median gait cadence. The Youden’s index cut-point was 107 steps/min with a sensitivity of 0.81 (95% CI: 0.77, 0.85) and a specificity of 0.57 (95% CI: 0.55, 0.59) and an AUCROC of 0.69 (95% CI: 0.51, 0.87). <b><i>Conclusions:</i></b> Our pilot study demonstrates the feasibility of using gait cadence as a measure to estimate functional capacity. Our study was limited by a smaller than expected sample size due to COVID-19, and thus, a prospective study with preoperative patients that measures outcomes is necessary to validate our findings.

Wearable devices to monitor recovery after abdominal surgery: scoping review

BACKGROUND

Wearable devices have been proposed as a novel method for monitoring patients after surgery to track recovery, identify complications early, and improve surgical safety. Previous studies have used a heterogeneous range of devices, methods, and analyses. This review aimed to examine current methods and wearable devices used for monitoring after abdominal surgery and identify knowledge gaps requiring further investigation.

METHODS

A scoping review was conducted given the heterogeneous nature of the evidence. MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Scopus databases were systematically searched. Studies of wearable devices for monitoring of adult patients within 30 days after abdominal surgery were eligible for inclusion.

RESULTS

A total of 78 articles from 65 study cohorts, with 5153 patients were included. Thirty-one different wearable devices were used to measure vital signs, physiological measurements, or physical activity. The duration of postoperative wearable device use ranged from 15 h to 3 months after surgery. Studies mostly focused on physical activity metrics (71.8 per cent). Continuous vital sign measurement and physical activity tracking both showed promise for detecting postoperative complications earlier than usual care, but conclusions were limited by poor device precision, adherence, occurrence of false alarms, data transmission problems, and retrospective data analysis. Devices were generally well accepted by patients, with high levels of acceptance, comfort, and safety.

CONCLUSION

Wearable technology has not yet realized its potential to improve postoperative monitoring. Further work is needed to overcome technical limitations, improve precision, and reduce false alarms. Prospective assessment of efficacy, using an intention-to-treat approach should be the focus of further studies.

Physical Activity, Quality of Life, and Nursing Workload in Colorectal Surgery

Postoperative recovery depends on a complex interplay of patient-related factors of which mobility is an essential part. The aim of this study is to evaluate correlations between perioperative physical activity, quality of life, and postoperative nursing workload in colorectal surgery. A prospective study was used to assess footsteps, quality of life, and nursing workload. Number of footsteps was recorded from preoperative day 5 to postoperative day 3. Patients with reduced and good mobilization were compared, and the cut-off defined by the median daily preoperative footsteps. Quality of life was assessed by the Cleveland Global Quality of Life (CGQL). Nursing workload was calculated using the Project Research in Nursing (PRN) score. Statistical correlation was measured by use of the Pearson coefficient. Fifty patients were included. Mean age was 59 years, mean body mass index was 25 kg/m2, and 68% of them were males. Demographics, surgical details, and clinical outcomes were comparable between the group of patients with poor mobilization compared to those with good mobilization. No correlation was found between pre- or post-operative footsteps and CGQL (r =  − 0.072, p = 0.640 and r =  − 0.127, p = 0.407), as well as between the number of pre- or post-operative footsteps and PRN (r = 0.060, p = 0.687 and r =  − 0.095, p = 0531). In conclusion, no correlation was found between the number of perioperative footsteps, quality of life, and nursing workload after colorectal surgery.

Feasibility of a prehabilitation program before major abdominal surgery: a pilot prospective study

OBJECTIVE

To assess the feasibility of a prehabilitation program and its effects on physical performance and outcomes after major abdominal surgery.

METHODS

In this prospective pilot study, patients underwent prehabilitation involving three training sessions per week for 3 weeks preoperatively. The feasibility of delivering the intervention was assessed based on recruitment and adherence to the program. Its impacts on fitness (oxygen uptake (VO₂)) and physical performance (Timed Up and Go Test, 6-Minute Walk Test) were evaluated.

RESULTS

From May 2017 to January 2020, 980 patients were identified and 44 (4.5%) were invited to participate. The main obstacles to patient recruitment were insufficient time (<3 weeks) prior to scheduled surgery (n = 276, 28%) and screening failure (n = 312, 32%). Of the 44 patients, 24 (55%) declined to participate, and 20 (23%) were included. Of these, six (30%) were not adherent to the program. Among the remaining 14 patients, VO₂ at ventilatory threshold significantly increased from 9.7 to 10.9 mL/min/kg. No significant difference in physical performance was observed before and after prehabilitation.

CONCLUSION

Although prehabilitation seemed to have positive effects on exercise capacity, logistic and patient-related difficulties were encountered. The program is not feasible in its current form for all-comers.

Preoperative patients' quality of life and outcomes after colorectal surgery: A prospective study

The aim of this prospective study was to assess the influence of preoperative life satisfaction on objective and subjective outcomes after elective colorectal surgery. Preoperative life satisfaction was assessed using a validated questionnaire (Échelle de Mesure des Manifestations du Bien-Être Psychologique). Postoperative quality of life was assessed by the Cleveland Global Quality of Life and QLQ-C30. Number of footsteps was recorded from preoperative day 5 to postoperative day 3. Physical activity, length of stay, and complications were compared between patients with low and high preoperative life satisfaction. Fifty patients were included. There was no difference between the 2 groups concerning postoperative objective (length of stay, complications, and number of footsteps) and subjective (Cleveland Global Quality of Life and QLQ-C30) recovery. In conclusion, preoperative life satisfaction of colorectal surgery patients had no influence on outcomes and physical activity in colorectal surgery.

Functional outcomes following pelvic exenteration: results from a prospective cohort study

AIM

Postoperative functional outcomes following pelvic exenteration surgery for treatment of advanced or recurrent pelvic malignancies are poorly understood. The aim of this study was to determine the short-term functional outcomes following pelvic exenteration surgery using objective measures of physical function.

METHOD

Patients undergoing pelvic exenteration surgery between January 2017 and May 2020 were recruited at a single quaternary referral hospital in Sydney, Australia. The primary measures were the 6-min walk test (6MWT) and the five times sit to stand (5STS) test. Data were collected at baseline (preoperatively), 10 days postoperatively and at discharge from hospital, and were analysed according to tumour type, extent of exenteration, sacrectomy, length of hospital stay, major nerve resection and postoperative complications.

RESULTS

The cohort of patients that participated in functional assessments consisted of 135 patients, with a median age of 61 years. Pelvic exenteration patients had a reduced 6MWT distance preoperatively compared to the general population (P < 0.001). Following surgery, we observed a further decrease in 6MWT distance (P < 0.001) and an increase in time to complete 5STS (P < 0.001) at postoperative day 10 compared to baseline, with a slight improvement at discharge. There were no differences in 6MWT and 5STS outcomes between patients based on comparisons of surgical and oncological factors.

CONCLUSION

Pelvic exenteration patients are functionally impaired in the preoperative period compared to the general population. Surgery causes a further reduction in physical function in the short term; however, functional outcomes are not impacted by tumour type, extent of exenteration, sacrectomy or nerve resection.