Feasibility, safety and outcomes of ambulation within 2 h postoperatively in patients with lung cancer undergoing thoracoscopic surgery

Aims The aims of this study were to evaluate the safety, feasibility and outcomes of ambulation within 2 h after thoracoscopic surgery in patients with lung cancer. Background There are no consensus guidelines on the ideal time for early ambulation following thoracic surgery, although enhanced recovery programmes have been proposed since years. Methods This non-randomized, concurrent-control study was conducted on patients who underwent thoracoscopic surgery between October 2020 and February 2021. Participants were assigned to either the observation group (ambulation within 2 h of extubation) or the control group (ambulation on the first postoperative day). Results Of the 325 patients who were eligible, 227 were included in the study. Eighty-three per cent of patients were able to walk any distance within 2 h of extubation, and no adverse events occurred in patients. The length of hospital stay and time to first postoperative flatus were significantly shorter in the observation group than in the control group. There were no differences in the occurrence of postoperative complications and orthostatic hypotension, readmission rate and 6-min walk distance at discharge. Conclusion Ambulation within 2 h of extubation was safe and feasible and could lead to better recovery in patients with lung cancer undergoing thoracoscopic surgery.