Association between Preoperative Exercise Tolerance and Unplanned Readmission in Patients with Pancreatic Cancer: A Retrospective Analysis

Background This study aimed to investigate the relationship between preoperative exercise tolerance and the likelihood of unplanned readmission in patients with pancreatic cancer. Despite advances in treatment, the incidence of postoperative complications following pancreatectomy remains high, leading to frequent hospital readmissions. Methods This retrospective analysis included 133 patients who underwent pancreatectomy between July 2019 and September 2022 and their preoperative exercise tolerance was assessed using the 6-min walk distance (6 MWD). Results The study found a 23.4% readmission rate within 1 year, with the median 6 MWD being significantly lower in readmitted patients than in those who were not readmitted (390.0 m versus 438.5 m; p < 0.01). A 6 MWD cut-off of 425 m was a strong predictor of readmission, with lower preoperative exercise tolerance associated with a higher risk of readmission. Conclusions Enhancing preoperative physical reserves through exercise therapy may reduce readmission rates and improve patient outcomes. Further research with larger sample sizes is required to confirm these findings.