2024 Volume 44 Issue 3 Pages 323-331
Increased postoperative complications are a concern in patients with nutritional disorders and sarcopenia. Prehabilitation has been reported to reduce postoperative complications. In 2018, we initiated prehabilitation at our perioperative management center. Two full-time registered dietitians measured body composition and provided nutritional guidance. Starting in 2021, we introduced nutritional intervention with oral nutritional supplements. This intervention resulted in improved body composition. We prioritized close patient engagement and seamless collaboration with the attending physician and the Nutrition Support Team. In addition, we implemented exercise therapy for esophageal cancer patients from the early stage of diagnosis. We are also in the process of developing educational materials to help many of our preoperative patients with their home exercise therapy.
The Perioperative Management Center, a multidisciplinary team of specialists, sees its next role as contributing to improved patient outcomes through prehabilitation.
