Systematic review and meta-analysis of objective assessment of physical fitness in patients undergoing colorectal cancer surgery

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Gas exchange-derived variables obtained from cardiopulmonary exercise testing allow objective assessment of functional capacity and hence physiological reserve to withstand the stressors of major surgery. Field walk tests provide an alternate means for objective assessment of functional capacity that may be cheaper and have greater acceptability, in particular, in elderly patients. OBJECTIVE: This systematic review evaluated the predictive value of cardiopulmonary exercise testing and feld walk tests in surgical outcomes after colorectal surgery. DATA SOURCE: A systematic search was undertaken using Medline, PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, and PEDro. STUDY SELECTION: Adult patients who h..