Trimodal Prehabilitation for Cystectomy Patients to Enhance Post-operative Care

Trimodal prehabilitation is a preoperative three-tiered (trimodal) approach to optimizing physical and mental health. It has been found to successfully improve functional recovery in patients undergoing colorectal surgery following an evidence-based enhanced-recovery pathway (ERP). It is unknown whether the same program is effective in patients undergoing a similar surgery for bladder cancer (radical cystectomy). Objective: To evaluate the appropriateness of a standardized prehabilitation program for implementation into an enhanced recovery pathway for cystectomy patients and determine whether prehabilitation facilitates earlier recovery of functional capacity. Hypothesis: Prehabilitation will ultimately improve recovery of functional capacity, clinical and patient-centered outcomes in patients undergoing radical cystectomy for bladder cancer. Design: Participants will follow an 8-week trimodal prehabilitation program consisting of exercise therapy combined with nutritional counseling, protein supplementation, and psychological care; they will be compared to a cohort of participants following ERP care alone. Conclusion: The proposal will provide insight into the feasibility and effectiveness of trimodal prehabilitation for radical cystectomy patients and may ultimately lead to improved clinical outcomes and reduced morbidity.