Can being Fit for Surgery really help?
Xtreme Everest's Professor Mike Grocott has recently commented on an article printed in the Daily Mail which looked at recently published studies that suggest being "fit for surgery" can help improve your recovery.
A study printed in the journal Anesthesiology, found patients that were awaiting colorectal surgery and had taken part in a 25-day prehab programme of exercise, nutritional changes and relaxation techniques could walk an average of 23.2 metres further eight weeks after surgery than at the start of the study, while rehab-only patients lost ground, walking an average of 21.8 metres less.
Mike, told the paper 'Fitter people have better survival rates after surgery and fewer complications,' and offered a few tips on what you can do prior to surgery.
One tip is to give up smoking prior to an operation, with a timeframe of six weeks or more being best, but even 24 hours prior can help you. Professor Grocott says 'Smoking damages the tiny hairs that carry secretions out of your lungs. Under anaesthetic you don't breathe as deeply because you have a machine doing it for you, and so sludge can build up. If your lungs can't clear this effectively, you are at a much higher risk of pneumonia'
Another tip is to get moving, even if you don't feel you are able to. There are lots of products on the market such as hand crank bikes that can be used by those with limited mobility. Those who are able to move are encouraged to undertake any exercise that gets you out of breath, such as walking or cycling to help improve mitochondrial function
To read the article in full, visit the Daily Mail
Share this :
