Published online Sep 9, 2021. doi: 10.5492/wjccm.v10.i5.232
Peer-review started: December 17, 2020
First decision: May 6, 2021
Revised: May 10, 2021
Accepted: July 6, 2021
Article in press: July 6, 2021
Published online: September 9, 2021
Processing time: 265 Days and 21.2 Hours
Lung cancer resection still produces a high incidence of postoperative pulmonary complications. High-risk lung cancer patients are more likely to have postoperative pulmonary complications. Exercise capacity and functionality is affected in lung cancer patients after hospitalization.
High-risk patients present more complications after hospitalization. Upper and lower limb exercise capacity could be affected in these patients.
To determine if there are differences between high and low-risk patients in exercise capacity. To identify differences in self-perceived health status depending on the risk of developing postoperative pulmonary complications at discharge and 1 mo after hospitalization.
This was an observational prospective cohort study conducted between April 2017 and July 2018. Inclusion criteria included: to be between 18-years-old and 80-years-old and to be informed about the study purpose. Patients were divided into two groups according to the risk profile criteria. Outcome measures included: Fatigue Severity Scale, dynamometry, 5 Sit-to-Stand Test, unsupported upper-limb exercise, Euroqol-5 dimensions 5 levels.
Fatigue severity was higher in the high-risk group at discharge. Upper and lower limb exercise capacity presented poorer results in the high-risk group at discharge. Self-perceived health status also presented significant differences between groups. One month after hospitalization, all differences remained.
High-risk patients present a poor recovery at discharge and 1 mo after hospitalization. More fatigue and a poorer exercise capacity were found in this group. Both groups undergoing lung resection did not reach control group levels even 1 mo after hospitalization.
The approach of lung cancer patients should be different depending on the risk profile. Future studies are needed to research the differences between high and low-risk patients in a longer term. Future studies should include objective measures to identify these differences.