Physiotherapy After Emergency Laparotomy in the Elderly
Effect of Postoperative Physiotherapy on Postoperative Outcomes of Elderly Patients Undergoing Emergency Laparotomy
University of Cyprus
250 participants
Jul 13, 2025
INTERVENTIONAL
Conditions
Summary
Emergency laparotomy is associated with high postoperative morbidity and mortality. This risk is particularly high among elderly patients, who often present with reduced physiological reserve, frailty, and multimorbidity. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of a structured postoperative physiotherapy program in patients aged 65 years and older undergoing emergency laparotomy. The study will assess its impact on functional recovery and clinical outcomes.
Eligibility
Inclusion Criteria4
- Patients aged ≥ 65 years
- Undergoing emergency laparotomy with or without stoma creation (adhesiolysis, right hemicolectomy, total colectomy, Hartmann's procedure, cholecystectomy, abscess drainage).
- Able to provide informed consent or have a legally authorized representative provide consent.
- Able to maintain an upright standing position for at least one minute with minimal or no assistance.
Exclusion Criteria6
- Patients with Dementia (Abbreviated Mental Test Score < 6)
- Pre-existing severe disabilities affecting mobility
- Patients with contraindications to physiotherapy (e.g., severe cardiopulmonary instability)
- Patients transferred postoperatively from other hospitals
- Patients who underwent no intervention during laparotomy (negative laparotomies)
- Patients undergoing palliative procedures and at the end of life
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Interventions
A structured five-day postoperative physiotherapy program including progressively increasing mobilization, supervised therapeutic exercises, and respiratory training every two hours. Participants will receive an exercise booklet and daily log for monitoring adherence.
Standard postoperative physiotherapy according to usual hospital practice, including general mobilization and basic breathing instruction without structured progression or monitoring.
Locations(1)
View Full Details on ClinicalTrials.gov
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NCT07504185