Plastic and reconstructive surgery. Global open
Prehabilitation in Head and Neck Surgery and Reconstruction
By Kim AC, Indyk P and Broyles JM.
Abstract
Background
Head and neck surgery and reconstruction for malignancy often results in significant functional, nutritional, and psychological morbidity that can delay recovery and impair quality of life. Prehabilitation offers a multimodal, proactive approach to optimize patients before surgery by targeting modifiable risk factors and baseline impairments.
Methods
In this narrative review, we synthesized current evidence and clinical guidelines across 6 domains of prehabilitation, medical risk assessment, nutritional optimization, swallowing therapy, pain management, physical conditioning, and psychological support, to provide a practical framework for perioperative teams.
