ABSTRACT Background Retroperitoneal sarcoma (RPS) requires complex surgery with high post‐operative morbidity. Prehabilitation aims to optimize the physical, psychological, and nutritional status of high‐risk patients before surgery. This study outlines our experience with a multimodal prehabilitation program for RPS patients. Methods We retrospectively analyzed 41 patients who underwent RPS resection and participated in prehabilitation (2020–2023) at a tertiary center, describing assessment findings and peri‐operative outcomes. Results A total of 41 patients were included in the analysis out of 132 patients who had surgery for RPS during the specified time period. All participated in a multimodal prehabilitation program, including physical, nutritional, and psychological support. The average program duration was 57 days (range, 42–132). Among 36 (88%) who completed cardiopulmonary exercise testing, the mean respiratory exchange ratio was 1.15 (±0.2), and peak vO2 was 14.9 (±4.1) mls/kg/min. Mean Australia‐modified Karnofsky Performance Status (AKPS) was 85 (±10). Seventeen (41%) had an MST score ≥2, indicating malnutrition risk. Mean operative time was 5.7 (±2.4) hours; hospital and ICU stays averaged 12.5 (±8.1) and 1.3 (±1.6) days. Major post‐operative complications (Clavien‐Dindo ≥ 3) occurred in 9 patients (21%), with 2 (4%) requiring re‐operation. Conclusions A Multimodal prehabililtation program in retroperitoneal sarcoma is feasible and may be worthwhile for patients at high‐risk of perioperative complications.
Mor et al. (Sun,) studied this question.