Relationship between walking distance within the first 24 h following lung cancer surgery and clinical outcomes.

Objectives: Lung cancer remains a major health concern in Japan, with over 126,000 cases diagnosed in 2019. Surgery is the primary treatment for stage I-III non-small-cell lung cancer. The 6-min walk test is widely used to assess physical endurance before and after surgery, with preoperative distances below 500 m associated with prolong hospital stays. Postoperatively, endurance typically decreases by 50-100 m. Early mobilization is critical to prevent this decline; however, no clear consensus exists on optimal rehabilitation protocols after lung cancer surgery.

Methods: This retrospective cohort study examined the relationship between early postoperative walking distance and clinical outcomes in 104 patients who underwent lung cancer surgery between 2020 and 2023. Physical function was assessed using the 6-min Walk Test before admission and before discharge.

Results: A significant correlation was found between the distance walked within the first 24 h after surgery and the pre- and postoperative 6-min walk test performance. However, no significant association was observed between early walking distance and length of hospital stay or postoperative complications.

Conclusions: Early mobilization after lung cancer surgery aligns closely with preoperative endurance levels, suggesting that improving preoperative physical function can enhance postoperative recovery and reduce complications. Further research is needed to standardize the rehabilitation protocols.