Activity Level and Patient Outcome After Liver Surgery – A Prospective Study

Background: Perioperative measurement to enhance recovery after surgery has been introduced as a prognostic factor. The effect of surgery on activity level during and after hospital discharge has been relatively under-explored. The present study aims to measure perioperative activity for patients undergoing liver surgery as a 23 benchmark for further interventional studies on the relationship between postoperative mobilization and outcome. Methods: In this prospective cohort study we measured activity levels for patients selected for liver surgery at a single liver surgical center. The activity level was measured before, during hospital admission, and after discharge with patients wearing pedometers. Clinical parameters and outcomes were documented. Results: Thirty-three patients were included. Median activity level was 4303 (2381- 6912), 293 (170-665), and 1250 (613-3300) steps per day preoperatively, perioperatively, and postoperatively after discharge, respectively. The activity level decreased to 38 (22-62) % after discharge compared to preoperative levels. Conclusion: This study quantified the decrease in activity level after liver surgery. Future studies could further evaluate the intervention effect of perioperative care on postoperative outcome measures.