Preoperative Physical Activity Before Radical Cystectomy and the Impact on Morbidity
This study focuses on people having major surgery for muscle-invasive bladder cancer, called a radical cystectomy. This operation can have many complications, and recovery can be challenging. Researchers are investigating whether being more physically active, specifically walking 8,000-10,000 steps daily for four weeks before surgery, can help. They want to see if this activity can reduce surgery-related problems, improve your quality of life, and shorten your hospital stay. The study will monitor your activity using a fitness tracker and check in with you before and after the operation. It's important to understand if simple steps patients can take before surgery can lead to better outcomes.
At a glance
What is this study about?
If you or someone you know has been diagnosed with bladder cancer that has grown into the muscle of the bladder, your doctor might recommend a big operation called a radical cystectomy. This surgery removes your bladder and creates a new way for your body to store and pass urine. It's a major operation, and like all surgeries, it carries potential risks and can affect your recovery. Doctors are always looking for ways to make this process easier and safer for patients.
This study, taking place at the University of Munich, is trying to find out if being more physically active in the weeks before your surgery can help improve your recovery. They believe that getting fitter before your operation might reduce problems that can happen afterwards, help you get home sooner, and improve your overall well-being. Think of it like training for a marathon, but for your surgery – getting your body in the best possible shape beforehand.
Researchers will ask some patients to aim for 8,000 to 10,000 steps every day for four weeks leading up to their surgery, using a simple step counter (pedometer) to track their progress. They will then compare their recovery, quality of life, and hospital stay with patients who don't follow this specific exercise plan. This research is important because it could lead to simple, practical advice that helps future bladder cancer patients recover better from their surgery.
Key takeaways
- The study explores if walking before bladder cancer surgery improves recovery.
- It focuses on muscle-invasive bladder cancer patients needing a radical cystectomy.
- Participants may be asked to walk 8,000-10,000 steps daily for four weeks pre-surgery.
- The main aim is to reduce surgery complications and improve quality of life.
- It could lead to better preparation advice for future patients.
- Participation involves tracking steps and completing questionnaires.
Who may be eligible?
This study is looking for volunteers who have bladder cancer that has spread into the muscle wall and need to have a radical cystectomy operation. You would need to be scheduled for this surgery.
There are a few reasons why you might not be able to join the study. If you already need a walking aid (like a cane or walker) to get around, or if you have certain health conditions like depression, serious heart problems, nerve/muscle disorders, or bone/joint issues that make exercise difficult, this study might not be suitable for you. Also, if your surgery is planned very soon – less than three weeks away – there might not be enough time to take part in the exercise part of the study.
Could this study suit you?
Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.
- Do I have muscle-invasive bladder cancer?
- Am I scheduled for a radical cystectomy operation?
- Do I usually walk without needing a walking aid (like a cane or walker)?
- Have I been diagnosed with depression, serious heart/nerve/muscle/bone issues that would stop me from walking?
- Is my surgery more than three weeks away?
What does participation involve?
If you decide to take part, you'll be randomly assigned to one of two groups. One group will be asked to try and walk 8,000-10,000 steps per day for four weeks before your surgery, using a pedometer (step counter) provided by the study. The other group will follow their usual routine. Regardless of your group, researchers will keep track of your physical activity and how you're feeling at different times before and after your operation. This involves filling out questionnaires about your quality of life. The study will generally follow your progress before your surgery, during your hospital stay, and then for some time after you go home to see how you're recovering. The total duration of your participation, including follow-up, has not been specified but would involve checks throughout your recovery.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (1)
- Department of Urology, LMU HospitalVerified postcodeMunich, Germany· Recruiting
Common questions
What kind of cancer are they studying?
They're studying muscle-invasive bladder cancer, which needs surgery to remove the bladder.
What is 'radical cystectomy'?
It's a major operation to remove the bladder and create a new way for your body to pass urine.
What do they mean by 'physical activity'?
In this study, it mainly refers to walking, with a goal of 8,000 to 10,000 steps daily.
How long do I need to be active for?
If you're in the active group, you'll be asked to increase your walking for four weeks before your surgery.
Will this study change my surgery?
No, the study focuses on preparing for your surgery, not changing the surgical procedure itself.
How to find out more
Yannic Volz, PD Dr. med.
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Interested in taking part?
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