Prehabilitation: a narrative review focused on exercise therapy for the prevention of postoperative pulmonary complications following lung resection

Extensive preventive strategies in the perioperative period are popular worldwide. Novel prehabilitation approaches are being defined for every individual surgical discipline. With intention to reduce perioperative morbidity, prehabilitation was developed to increase physical wellness considering exercise capacity, nutritional status, and psychological support. Thus, prehabilitation could be well-suited for patients undergoing lung cancer surgery. Theoretically, improving physical condition may increase the chances of having a better post-operative course, especially among frail patients. In this review, we describe the concept of prehabilitation with possible benefits, its role in the Enhanced Recovery After Surgery protocols, and its potential for the future.

Automated summary

Prehabilitation is an approach aimed at improving the physical condition of patients before surgery through exercise capacity, nutritional status, and psychological support. It may have significant benefits in reducing perioperative morbidity, especially for frail lung cancer surgery patients. It plays an important role in the Enhanced Recovery After Surgery protocols and has potential for the future.