If you’re preparing for surgery, there’s something simple you can do to heal faster and reduce complications – focus on your health before the procedure. This approach, called “prehabilitation,” involves improving your fitness and nutrition in the weeks leading up to surgery.

A new study published in the BMJ shows that prehabilitation may lead to fewer complications, shorter hospital stays and a better quality of life after surgery.

Lead researcher and anesthesiologist at the Ottawa Hospital, Dr. “If you’re having surgery, it’s a good idea to ask your doctor about pre-operative surgery,” says Daniel MacIsaac. “If you can increase your activity levels and protein intake a few weeks before surgery, you’re likely to recover faster afterward,” he said.

What is the forecast?

Forecasting is not a new idea. It began during World War II when the British Army worked to improve the fitness of recruits. Over the past 30 years, doctors have been applying the concept to surgery patients, helping them get into better shape than ever before.

“We know that people who are more physically fit do better with surgery and suffer fewer complications,” Dr. McIsaac said. “But many patients don’t know where to start. This is where guidance from doctors can make a big difference. ,

what research shows

Researchers looked at 186 clinical trials, involving more than 15,500 patients, to understand the benefits for prognosis. Here’s what they found:

-Exercise before surgery reduced the risk of complications by 50 percent.

– Eating a healthy diet reduces the risk to 38 percent.

-The combination of exercise, diet and social support reduced the risk by 36 percent.

– Exercise and social support helped patients leave the hospital two days earlier.

Forecasting Challenges

While the results are promising, there are some challenges. Most studies were conducted retrospectively in specific hospitals under controlled conditions. That makes it unclear how well the approach would work in other hospitals or on a larger scale.

Dr. “Prehabilitation works, but the challenge is how to offer it to all surgical patients,” MacIsaac said.

To answer this, researchers are running more studies, including a larger trial at the Ottawa Hospital. The results of this study are expected in March and may help doctors make a pre-emptive approach.

Why forecasting matters

For patients, prehabilitation is a powerful step toward a better recovery. “It’s wonderful to know that there are things you can do to prepare for surgery and improve your recovery,” said Gurley Kidd, a patient consultant at the Ottawa Hospital.

With its potential to become a standard part of surgical care, Prognosis gives patients a way to take control of their health and feel more confident going into surgery. If you have an upcoming procedure, talk to your doctor about how to prepare. A little effort before surgery can make a big difference in how quickly and smoothly you recover.

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