Use of a perioperative web-based exercise program for a patient with Barrett’s carcinoma scheduled for esophagectomy

Abstract

A poor preoperative functional capacity increases the perioperative risk. Therefore, a web- based exercise approach has been initiated for a careful supervision and individual support of patients during their perioperative cancer therapy. Here, we present the data of a 57-year-old patient, scheduled for esophagectomy. Beside a five-week neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (CRT), the patient performed 10 weeks of a web-based prehabilitation exercise training (preconditioning) and continued the exercise program for 14 weeks after surgery. The patient performed 42 of 44 recommended training sessions in the preconditioning period in his home environment. This corresponds to a mean of 131 (±38) min of total training per week. The patient performed 52 of 48 recommended training sessions in the postconditioning period. This corresponds to a mean of 165 (±87) min of total training per week. The patient could maintain his functional capacity during CRT and enhanced his submaximal performance level to the end of the intervention. The patient’s adherence to the program was noteworthy. The most important features of this approach are the personalized design and the flexible scheduling precisely in tune with the patient’s needs, concerns, and therapy related downtimes. Thus, the patient nearly fulfilled the exercise guidelines at a sufficient exercise intensity even during the neoadjuvant therapy. The preconditional exercise prevented a presumed CRT-induced and tumor-associated loss of functional capacity. The postoperative exercise led to a structured and adequate return into regular physical activities after surgery. Finally, this approach complements a comprehensive clinical care, in a health-promoting, cost effective, and patient-safely manner.