Early Mobilization in Liver Surgery: A Critical Component of ERAS Protocol

Strategic Insights -

Researchers from the Charite University Hospital and School of Medicine have conducted a prospective observational study to evaluate the benchmarks of early mobilization in liver surgery patients within a structured Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) program. According to the study, early mobilization is a core component of the ERAS protocol, aiming to accelerate recovery and reduce postoperative complications. However, the specific influence of timepoint and duration of mobilization remains unexplored.

The study, published in Surgical Endoscopy, aimed to establish evidence-based recommendations for the timing and duration of early mobilization in liver surgery patients. The researchers analyzed data from 1,076 patients undergoing liver surgery within an ERAS protocol, which strictly followed the official ERAS Society recommendations. The results showed that patients without complications were mobilized on postoperative day (POD) 1, POD 2, and POD 3 for a median of 2 hours, 4 hours, and 5 hours, respectively.

However, the study concluded that applying a uniform cutoff for all types of liver resections appears questionable, given the procedure-specific differences in postoperative mobilization.

Key Takeaways:

  • Early mobilization is a critical component of the Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) protocol, aiming to accelerate recovery and reduce postoperative complications in liver surgery patients.
  • The study analyzed data from 1,076 patients undergoing liver surgery within an ERAS protocol, which strictly followed the official ERAS Society recommendations.
  • Patients without complications were mobilized on postoperative day (POD) 1, POD 2, and POD 3 for a median of 2 hours, 4 hours, and 5 hours, respectively.
  • The study concluded that applying a uniform cutoff for all types of liver resections appears questionable, given the procedure-specific differences in postoperative mobilization.
  • The research implications suggest that healthcare providers should consider the specific needs and procedures of individual liver surgery patients when determining the timing and duration of early mobilization.
  • The study highlights the importance of tailoring ERAS protocols to specific surgical procedures and patient populations to optimize recovery outcomes.

Statistics:

  • 1,076 patients underwent liver surgery within an ERAS protocol.
  • 261 patients achieved a textbook outcome (TO) and were mobilized on POD 1, POD 2, and POD 3 for a median of 2 hours, 4 hours, and 5 hours, respectively.
  • Patients with postoperative complications were mobilized for significantly shorter durations than those without complications.
  • The study suggests that a uniform cutoff for all types of liver resections may not be appropriate, given the procedure-specific differences in postoperative mobilization.

Sources:

  • NewsRx. Data from Charite University Hospital and School of Medicine Advance Knowledge in Liver Surgery [Defining Benchmarks for Postoperative Mobilization Based On the Recommendations of the Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (Eras) Program for Liver ...]. Medical Devices & Surgical Technology Week. October 26, 2025; p 287.
  • Defining Benchmarks for Postoperative Mobilization Based On the Recommendations of the Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (Eras) Program for Liver Surgery: a Prospective Study. Surgical Endoscopy, 2025.