2026 Volume 4 Pages 88-96
Purpose: This case report describes the effects of a telerehabilitation (TR) program on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in a patient after esophageal cancer surgery who exhibited reduced physical function and HRQoL at discharge.
Case Presentation: A woman in her 60s underwent surgery for esophageal cancer and was discharged home on postoperative day 26. Because both physical function and HRQoL (QLQ-C30) were reduced compared with preoperative levels, an 8-week home-based TR program was initiated immediately after discharge.
Course: The patient’s step count and exercise adherence were monitored, and regular feedback was provided via video calls and chat messages. During the program, her frequency of outings increased. At the end of the program, the daily average step count increased from 2,629 to 5,326 steps, the 30-second chair stand test improved from 21 to 30 repetitions, and the HRQoL summary score improved from 85.5 to 93.4. No TR-related adverse events were observed.
Conclusion: This case suggests that TR may be a feasible and potentially effective approach to support the continuation of postoperative rehabilitation for patients after esophageal cancer surgery who have difficulty attending in-person sessions. TR may promote recovery of physical function and improvement of HRQoL after hospital discharge.
