Association of Preoperative Physical Function With Postoperative Outcomes in Persons Undergoing Lung Cancer Resection Surgery

Background and Purpose: This study aimed to investigate the association between preoperative physical function, measured using the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB), and postoperative outcomes—including postoperative pulmonary complications (PPCs), chest drainage duration, and length of hospital stay—in older adults undergoing lung cancer resection surgery. Methods: We conducted a single-center retrospective cohort study involving 339 individuals (aged 65 years or more) diagnosed with lung cancer who underwent lung resection surgery. Eligible individuals were categorized into 2 based on their preoperative SPPB scores: <10, low SPPB; ≥10, high SPPB. The outcome measures included the incidence of PPCs, duration of chest drainage, and length of hospital stay. We compared the 2 groups using the Mann–Whitney U test or the χ 2 test. Intergroup differences in outcomes were further analyzed using analysis of covariance and logistic regression, adjusting for age and preoperative 6-minute walk distance. Results: Among 339 participants (low SPPB: 39, high SPPB: 300), PPCs occurred in 13.3% (low: 18.0%, high: 12.7%, P = .33). After adjustment, no significant differences were found in the PPC incidence ( P = .66), chest drainage duration ( P = .07), or duration of hospital stay ( P = .53). Discussion and Conclusions: Favorable postoperative outcomes may be achievable even in individuals with lower preoperative physical function when multidisciplinary perioperative management, including early mobilization and coordinated care, is provided.