Getting fit for surgery makes sense. 'Patients said: I am really doing something, not just worrying'

Preparing for surgery through prehabilitation can significantly reduce complications, as shown in a study by Joëlle Dhanis at Radboudumc. The research focused on gynecological cancers and demonstrated that prehabilitation decreased complication rates from 37% to 27%. This program included physical training, nutritional advice, and psychological support, helping patients feel more proactive and less anxious. Although prehabilitation is now standard for major abdominal surgeries at Radboudumc, insurance coverage remains an issue. Dhanis, who has transitioned to orthopedics, emphasizes the importance of this approach for improving patient outcomes and recovery speed.