EARLY VERSUS DELAYED MOBILIZATION AFTER VALVE SURGERY: IMPACT ON RECOVERY AND LENGTH OF HOSPITAL STAY: A RETROSPECTIVE STUDY
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Abstract
Enhanced postsurgical recovery in cardiac surgery aims to reduce complications, promote early physical function, and shorten hospitalization. Early mobilization has emerged as a key component of cardiac rehabilitation and enhanced recovery pathways, contributing to improved functional outcomes and reduced morbidity after major cardiothoracic procedures.¹⁻³ Early mobilization helps counteract postoperative deconditioning, reduces pulmonary complications, improves muscle strength, and accelerates return to baseline activity.⁴⁻⁶ Despite these known benefits, the adoption of structured mobilization protocols in resource-limited settings remains inconsistent due to staffing constraints, lack of standardized guidelines, and varying postoperative hemodynamic stability in patients.⁷
Several international studies have demonstrated the benefits of early mobilization following cardiac surgery. Phillips et al. (2013) reported improved functional capacity and reduced pulmonary complications in patients mobilized within 48 hours of surgery.⁸ A systematic review by Fagan et al. (2022) concluded that early mobilization significantly enhances physical recovery and shortens hospital stay.⁹ Similarly, Tadyanemhandu et al. (2020) found that early physiotherapy interventions were associated with shorter ICU duration and reduced postoperative complications.¹⁰ A meta-analysis by Ferreira et al. (2020) also supported early mobilization, demonstrating improvements in functional outcomes and reduced length of stay.¹¹
Specific evidence for valve surgery populations is emerging. Funamoto et al. (2021) reported improved early ambulation and shorter hospitalization after structured mobilization in valve surgery patients.¹² In another study, Vahlberg et al. (2023) emphasized that early physical therapy improved strength and reduced postoperative pulmonary events in valve replacement patients.¹³
However, despite increasing global evidence, data on early mobilization in Indian cardiac surgery—particularly valve surgery—remain limited. Variability in rehabilitation practices, patient demographics, and institutional resources creates a gap in understanding real-world outcomes. Therefore, the present study aims to compare early versus delayed mobilization after valve surgery in a tertiary care centre, focusing on recovery time, hospital stay, and postoperative complications. This study may provide valuable region-specific evidence to support structured early rehabilitation practices in cardiac surgery programs.
References
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This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.
All articles published in JPTCP are licensed under Copyright Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.
Dr Vidyutkumar Sinha
MS.DNB (G.Surgery) MCH.DNB(CVTS). Associate Professor, Department of General Surgery, SMBT Institute of Medical Science and Research Centre, Dhamangoan Nashik.
Dr Prashant Pandit Pawar
MD anaesthesia, Assistant professor, Department of Anesthesia, SMBT Institute of Medical Science and Research Centre, Dhamangoan Nashik.
Dr Pravin Vithal Shirke
MS General Surgery, Associate Professor, Department of General Surgery, SMBT Institute of Medical Science and Research Centre, Dhamangoan Nashik. drpravinshirke2007@yahoo.com
