title: Recovery of deambulation after cardiothoracic surgery: a single center experience.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Surgical procedure and postoperative bed rest lead to musculoskeletal system alterations with a possibility of new walking dependence of patients who undergo cardiothoracic surgery, which is sometimes associated with prolonged hospitalization and increased health expenditure.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  The aim of this study was to assess the postoperative motor disability in inpatients admitted to the cardiothoracic surgical ward, and the results of customized rehabilitation in terms of recovery of postural changes and walking capacity with respect to the preoperative condition and destination after discharge.
  
  
  METHODS
  A prospective observational study was conducted.
  
  
  METHODS
  Four hundred seventeen inpatients, who had undergone cardiothoracic surgery, were enrolled between March 2011 and January 2012 in a Hospital Unit of Cardiothoracic Surgery.
  
  
  METHODS
  A computerized system was used to collect data about ambulation at home, type and number of rehabilitation sessions proposed, ambulation at discharge, destination after discharge from ward of origin. All patients, who give their consent, undergone rehabilitative treatment on the ward of origin with an expert physiotherapist.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Three hundred seventy-five inpatients were examined in Cardiac Surgery. One patient (0.26%) refused rehabilitative treatment. Two patients (0.53%) died. At the time of discharge 236 (74.45%) patients had recovered the ability to walk independently. After discharge 87.64% of patients was transferred to a specialist ward for intensive rehabilitation. Forty-two inpatients were enrolled in thoracic surgery. Two patients died whilst in hospital. At the time of discharge, 36 patients (94.73%) were able to walk independently. After discharge 80% of patients returned home.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  In our study, the application of an early and simple rehabilitation program on the ward of origin after surgery has made possible the recovery of ambulation of most inpatients who referred independence at home in a few days, limiting hospitalization and health expenditure.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Data about recovery of ambulation with respect to the preoperative condition and destination after discharge resume the importance of identifying motor impairment after surgery, in order to apply an adequate, early and feasible rehabilitation protocol to inpatients, limiting hospitalization and health expenditure.
authors: Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Unit, I.R.C.C.S. Policlinico San Matteo Foundation, Pavia, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy - elena.dallatoffola@unipv.it.
authors: S
authors: S
authors: Monteleone
authors: E
authors: E
authors: Dalla Toffola
authors: V
authors: V
authors: Emiliani
authors: S
authors: S
authors: Ricotti
authors: M
authors: M
authors: Bruggi
authors: T
authors: T
authors: Conte
authors: A M
authors: AM
authors: D'Armini
authors: G
authors: G
authors: Orlandoni
authors: L
authors: L
authors: Petrucci
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D001510:Bed Rest; D013504:Cardiovascular Surgical Procedures / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007297:Inpatients; D008297:Male; D011446:Prospective Studies; D020127:Recovery of Function; D019616:Thoracic Surgical Procedures / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D016138:Walking / Q000502:physiology*