Tejal Somvanshi
Getting ready for surgery through exercise and better nutrition can cut complications by about 40%, according to new research looking at more than 15,000 patients worldwide. This preparation, called prehabilitation, helps patients bounce back faster after surgery.
“If you are willing and able to regularly increase your activity levels and protein intake for a few weeks before surgery, you are likely to experience a noticeably shorter recovery time,” explains Dr. Daniel McIsaac from The Ottawa Hospital.
The idea started with the British Army during World War II, helping soldiers get fit for duty. Doctors later realized this could help surgery patients too. Now, with over 300 million surgeries happening yearly worldwide, this approach could help many people. Currently, about 20% of major surgery patients face problems after surgery that keep them in the hospital longer.
The study found that exercise helps the most, followed by better nutrition. Patients also get help managing stress and staying mentally sharp. “We know that people who are more physically fit tend to recover faster from surgery and suffer fewer complications,” McIsaac notes.
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Hospitals are still figuring out how to offer this preparation to everyone who needs surgery. The Ottawa Hospital is testing two programs, including one that lets patients prepare at home through virtual prehab. They’ll share their first results in March 2025.
Gurlie Kidd, who had major surgery herself and now helps shape these programs, says patients welcome this chance to take action. “It is very empowering to know that there’s something you can do to prepare for surgery that will help your recovery. Patients are hungry for this,” she shares.
While most testing has happened in single hospitals, researchers are now studying how to make this work everywhere. They’re especially focused on making it simple and effective for all surgery patients.
This preparation might become standard practice before surgery. For now, doctors suggest asking about prehabilitation if you’re scheduled for surgery. Research shows that preparing a few weeks before surgery through increased activity and nutrition can help with recovery.
