Posted on Mar 10, 2025
Langley Memorial Hospital (LMH) is pioneering a transformative initiative to improve outcomes for colorectal surgery patients. This innovative program emphasizes accessible, practical support in exercise, nutrition, and smoking cessation, with the goal of reducing severe medical complications by 50% by March 2025.
Dr Goodwin, a general surgeon performing colorectal surgery at LMH, explains, "Complications after colorectal surgery, while sometimes minor, can be devastating for patients, families, and the health care team. We're constantly seeking ways to make this journey safer and better for everyone involved." This patient-focused approach sets a new standard for recovery by emphasizing pre-surgical preparation and placing preventative care at the forefront.
Colorectal surgery patients often face unique challenges, including advanced age and pre-existing health conditions. While surgical advancements have improved recovery times, complications can still arise. To address this, the program integrates prehabilitation strategies that prepare patients both physically and mentally before surgery, significantly improving their resilience and recovery outcomes.
Central to this initiative is the program’s commitment to individualized care. Physical activity is encouraged to build strength and resilience, with a structured four-week exercise regimen designed to optimize surgical readiness. Customized nutritional plans, developed with dieticians, enhance physiological recovery through targeted dietary changes, such as increased protein intake. Smoking cessation support addresses a critical factor affecting healing and long-term health. Together, these personalized interventions create a comprehensive care pathway aimed at maximizing patient well-being.
Dr Goodwin emphasizes that the program is built on a strong evidence-based foundation, noting that the 'prehab program' has been proven to significantly lower complication rates. Providing these resources demonstrates a dedication to enhancing surgical outcomes and establishing a higher standard of patient care.
By addressing pre-surgical risks, the hospital adopts a proactive model that benefits patients and the broader health care system. Lower complication rates lead to shorter hospital stays, fewer readmissions, and improved patient outcomes. For colorectal surgery patients, this approach often eliminates the need for costly intensive care, freeing critical resources for other patients and enhancing timely care access across the region.
“As we became more aware of the data supporting prehabilitation, we felt increasingly obligated to offer this to our patients,” says Dr Goodwin. “The journey began with support from the Perioperative Clinical Action Network (PCAN), a program funded by SSC, and we’re excited about the potential to improve patient care and outcomes.”
Langley Memorial Hospital’s colorectal care pathway aligns with a provincial strategy to revolutionize surgical care through innovation, early prevention, and patient-focused solutions. This scalable program exemplifies health care excellence by improving individual lives, enhancing system efficiencies, and setting a benchmark for sustainable, effective care across British Columbia and beyond.
