The effects of early rehabilitation in patients with surgically treated colorectal cancer

Acta Chir Iugosl. 2012;59(3):89-91. doi: 10.2298/aci1203089d.

Abstract

Colorectal cancer is one of the most common cancer. Caught early, it is often curable. The important role in functional recovery of these patients, have enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) clinical care protocol and early rehabilitation. The goal of this research is the objective evaluation of the effects of early rehabilitation in patients after surgical treatment of colorectal cancer, respecting their functional recovery and quality of life, before and after rehabilitation. Tis study was made as experimental, randomized, controlled clinical trial, opened type.The examination included 58 patients (39 males and 19 females), age from 36 to 85 years, average 63.3, with surgically treated colorectal cancer. All patients had appropriate early multimodal accelerated rehabilitation program.The mean value of this program was 7,24 days. As observing parameter was used short form, 36 items health related questionnaire (SF-36), with two summary measures-Physical component summary (PCS) and Mental component summary (MCS), for the evaluation of quality of life, before and after treatment. For the statistical analysis of the aquired data, before and after therapy, was used Student's t-test. Afer therapy, the quality of life of patients was significantly improved, physical health (p< 0.01), as well as mental health (p<0,01). SF36 score after rehabilitation, show important improvement of quality of life in early treated patients. These results show exellent therapeutic possibilities of enhaced recovery clinical care protocol and early rehabilitation procedures. Acording to the results of this study, it can be concluded that early rehabilitation accelerated program is very effective in treatment of patients with surgically treated colorectal cancer.

Publication types

  • Randomized Controlled Trial

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Colorectal Neoplasms / rehabilitation
  • Colorectal Neoplasms / surgery*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Physical Therapy Modalities*
  • Postoperative Care*