Patient Information

Prehabilitation is a relatively new concept in the treatment of patients before surgery (the medical system has typically focused on rehabilitation after surgery).  It is felt by the POP Team that if patients’ health is optimized before surgery, the outcome will be vastly improved, returning the patient to normal daily functioning sooner.

The main thrust of the program is to educate and empower the patient to take control of their health by exercising, eating properly and learning to de-stress and relax.  Where necessary, smoking cessation and pharmacological optimization is offered to patients.

You could also watch an animated information video of the Prehabilitation Program at the Montreal General Hospital here. You can also watch a video, not animated, of how the program works, interviews with surgeons and testimonials of patients here.

WHAT DOES PREHABILITATION INVOLVE?

STEP 1

Once patients have seen their surgeon – and the surgery has been explained – they meet with a team physician who introduces the Peri-Operative Program.

STEP 2

An appointment session is then set with a clinical coordinator who explains the various steps of the program and records anthropometric measurements (body weight, height, percentage of lean body mass and body fat).

STEP 3

Visits are then scheduled with a physiotherapist/kinesiologist, a nutritionist and a psychologist who respectively assess body strength and flexibility, nutritional status and mood.

STEP 4

A home-based program is then proposed, which spans 4-5 weeks before your surgery and up to 8 weeks after surgery. The program may or may not include in-hospital exercise sessions.

TESTIMONIALS

PATIENT TESTIMONIALS

DOCTOR TESTIMONIALS