4,300 steps per day prior to surgery are associated with improved outcomes after pancreatectomy

HPB (Oxford). 2023 Jan;25(1):91-99. doi: 10.1016/j.hpb.2022.09.011. Epub 2022 Oct 1.

Abstract

Background: Decreased preoperative physical fitness and low physical activity have been associated with preoperative functional reserve and surgical complications. We sought to evaluate daily step count as a measure of physical activity and its relationship with post-pancreatectomy outcomes.

Methods: Patients undergoing pancreatectomy were given a remote telemonitoring device to measure their preoperative levels of physical activity. Patient activity, demographics, and perioperative outcomes were collected and compared in univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis.

Results: 73 patients were included. 45 (61.6%) patients developed complications, with 17 (23.3%) of those patients developing severe complications. These patients walked 3437.8 (SD 1976.7) average daily steps, compared to 5918.8 (SD 2851.1) in patients without severe complications (p < 0.001). In logistic regression analysis, patients who walked less than 4274.5 steps had significantly higher odds of severe complications (OR = 7.5 (CI 2.1, 26.8), p = 0.002).

Conclusion: Average daily steps below 4274.5 before surgery are associated with severe complications after pancreatectomy. Preoperative physical activity levels may represent a modifiable target for prehabilitation protocols.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Humans
  • Pancreatectomy* / adverse effects
  • Postoperative Complications* / etiology
  • Risk Factors