Effects of early mobilization in post anesthesia care unit on postoperative gastrointestinal function and recovery quality in patients undergoing gynecological laparoscopic surgery:study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

Background Early mobilization is a core component of Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) protocols, with current guidelines recommending that patients spend at least two hours out of bed on the day of surgery. However, the optimal timing for safe mobilization following gynecological laparoscopic surgery remains unclear. This study aims to evaluate the effects of initiating structured, supervised mobilization as early as 30 minutes after awakening from general anesthesia in the post-anesthesia care unit (PACU) on postoperative gastrointestinal function and overall recovery quality. Methods This is a single-center, randomized controlled trial (RCT) in which eligible patients will be randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to either an early mobilization group or a standard care control group. Both groups will receive perioperative ERAS-based interventions. In the PACU, the experimental group will undergo structured early mobilization, while the control group will receive routine postoperative care. A total of 82 patients will be enrolled. The primary outcome is time to first postoperative flatus. Secondary outcomes include time to first defecation, quality of postoperative recovery, perioperative anxiety levels, patient satisfaction, adverse events (e.g., orthostatic hypotension, dizziness, fatigue), length of hospital stay, and readmission rates. Outcomes will be assessed at baseline, post-treatment, and during follow-up. Discussion This trial may show that early mobilization in the PACU may accelerate the time to postoperative flatus in patients undergoing gynecological laparoscopic surgery. This finding is potentially beneficial for recovery and offers new insights for enhancing rapid recovery protocols in this patient population. Trail registration number Chinese Clinical Trial Registry,ChiCTR2500102720.Registered on May 19, 2025