Perioperative decline in isometric knee extension force is a predictor of unplanned readmission within 1 year in patients with colorectal cancer

Abstract

Introduction

Exploring the relationship between perioperative physical function and unplanned readmission (UR) in patients with colorectal cancer (CRC) can aid in rehabilitation interventions. In this study, we aimed to determine whether perioperative physical function is associated with UR within 1 year in patients with CRC.

Materials and methods

This retrospective cohort study included 155 consecutive patients with CRC who underwent surgery. The outcome was UR within 1 year. Physical function was evaluated through isometric knee extension force (IKEF) and 6-min walk distance. Additionally, the decline ratio of physical function was calculated using the following formula: the decline ratio (%) = ([before discharge - before surgery]/before surgery) × 100. The propensity score-matching strategy was used to adjust for confounders in the relationship between perioperative physical function and UR. Subsequently, the association between perioperative physical function and UR was assessed using the log-lank test and Cox proportional hazards model analysis.

Results

Of 155 patients, 120 were included in the analysis. A significant difference in the decline ratio of IKEF was observed between patients with and without UR (p = 0.007). After propensity score-matching, 52 patients were matched. In matched patients, the decline in IKEF (decline ratio of IKEF ≤ −18.8 %) was significantly correlated with UR in the log-rank test (p = 0.003) and Cox proportional hazards model analysis (hazard ratio, 9.26; 95 % confidence interval, 1.15, 74.12; p = 0.035).

Conclusion

A decline in IKEF was associated with UR within 1 year in patients with CRC.