Preoperative modifiable risk factors in colorectal surgery: an observational cohort study identifying the possible value of prehabilitation

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the second most prevalent type of cancer in the world. Surgery is the most common therapeutic intervention, and associated with 20-40% reduction in physiological and functional capacity. Postoperative complications occur in up to 50% of patients resulting in higher mortality rates and greater hospital costs. The number and severity of complications is closely related to patients' preoperative performance status. The aim of this study was to identify the most important preoperative modifiable risk factors that could be part of a multimodal prehabilitation program. Prospectively collected data of a consecutive series of Dutch CRC patients undergoing colorectal surgery were analyzed. Modifiable risk factors were correlated to the Comprehensive Complication Index (CCI) and compared within two groups: none or mild complications (CCI