Nationwide Implementation of Multimodal Prehabilitation and Complications After Colorectal Cancer Surgery - Summary - MDSpire

Nationwide Implementation of Multimodal Prehabilitation and Complications After Colorectal Cancer Surgery

  • By

  • Charissa R. Sabajo

  • David W. G. ten Cate

  • Susan van Grinsven

  • Lennaert C. B. Groen

  • Emiel G. G. Verdaasdonk

  • Suzanne C. L. Kerstens

  • Jalou J. M. Woltering

  • Hendrik A. Marsman

  • Ruud F. W. Franssen

  • Ad Kerst

  • Ernst J. A. Steller

  • Okan W. Bastian

  • Casper D. P. van ’t Hullenaar

  • Aaldert K. Talsma

  • Wout van der Meij

  • Bas Inberg

  • Geertruid M. H. Marres

  • Marijn Takkenberg

  • Lisa D. Geomini

  • Margot H. M. Heijmans

  • Marc R. M. Scheltinga

  • Jan Willem T. Dekker

  • Baukje van den Heuvel

  • Johannes M. Klaase

  • Gerrit D. Slooter

  • July 1, 2026

  • 0 min

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Objective:

To investigate the effectiveness and benefits of a standardized, uniform, multimodal prehabilitation program in a broader unselected population scheduled for colorectal cancer surgery in the Netherlands.

Approach:
  • Study Design: A nationwide multicenter cohort study using historical cohorts as controls in a propensity score–matched design.
  • Intervention: Implementation of a multimodal prehabilitation program including physical fitness, nutritional status, mental support, and management of comorbidities.
Key Findings:
  • Prehabilitation may reduce morbidity rates and improve functional recovery after colorectal cancer surgery.
  • Delays of up to 8 weeks for prehabilitation do not negatively affect cancer prognosis.
  • The optimal target population for prehabilitation remains uncertain, with limited data on younger or lower-risk patients.
Interpretation:

Strong conclusions on the real-world effect of prehabilitation in daily colorectal cancer practice cannot be drawn due to limitations in existing studies.

Limitations:
  • Previous studies had stringent inclusion criteria and small, highly selected populations.
  • Substantial heterogeneity in interventions and study designs limits generalizability.
  • Data on race and ethnicity were not collected as they are not routinely recorded in the Netherlands.
Conclusion:

The study aims to provide insights into the effectiveness of prehabilitation in a broader patient population undergoing colorectal cancer surgery.

Sources:

Original Source(s)

Nationwide Implementation of Multimodal Prehabilitation and Complications After Colorectal Cancer Surgery

  • by Charissa R. Sabajo, David W. G. ten Cate, Susan van Grinsven, Lennaert C. B. Groen, Emiel G. G. Verdaasdonk, Suzanne C. L. Kerstens, Jalou J. M. Woltering, Hendrik A. Marsman, Ruud F. W. Franssen, Ad Kerst, Ernst J. A. Steller, Okan W. Bastian, Casper D. P. van ’t Hullenaar, Aaldert K. Talsma, Wout van der Meij, Bas Inberg, Geertruid M. H. Marres, Marijn Takkenberg, Lisa D. Geomini, Margot H. M. Heijmans, Marc R. M. Scheltinga, Jan Willem T. Dekker, Baukje van den Heuvel, Johannes M. Klaase, Gerrit D. Slooter

  • July 1, 2026

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