Physiotherapy after abdominal cancer surgery and functional recovery: A narrative review
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.62827/fb.v27i9.1326Keywords:
Exercise Therapy; Early Ambulation; Postoperative Pain; Quality of Life; Digestive System Neoplasms.Abstract
Introduction: Abdominal cancer surgery can impair mobility, increase pain, and hinder the resumption of daily activities. The specific contribution of physiotherapy must be distinguished from the effects of multidisciplinary perioperative programs. Objective: To critically analyze physiotherapy after abdominal cancer surgery, focusing on functional recovery, pain, and quality of life. Methods: A narrative review was conducted through searches performed in September 2026 using PubMed records accessed through Europe PubMed Central and exploratory web searches targeting SciELO and the Virtual Health Library, whose full search expressions were not recorded. Publications from 2021 to 2026 were prioritized, with relevant earlier studies also included. The synthesis considered study design, population, intervention timing, comparator, and outcomes, without an original meta-analysis. Results: Clinical trials identified benefits of mobilization and supervised exercise for independent walking and selected functional outcomes. However, effects on complications, hospital length of stay, pain, and global quality of life were heterogeneous. Post-discharge programs showed favorable findings in some domains, particularly after pancreatic resection, whereas recent studies of digital rehabilitation and wearable monitoring did not demonstrate consistent superiority. Conclusion: Physiotherapy may support components of functional recovery, based mainly on trials of supervised in-hospital programs; individualization and coordination with symptom management and nutritional support are care implications rather than factors tested as determinants of benefit. Uncertainty remains regarding the optimal dose and consistent benefits for pain and quality of life, highlighting the need for multidimensional assessment and continuity of care after discharge.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Rafael Viana dos Santos Coutinho, Graziele Antonieta de Melo, Julia Roberta Silva de Figueiredo, Thomás Mendonça de Andrade (Autor)
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