Perioperative Impact of Physical Activity on Short- and Long-term Morbidity and Mortality

Research question: This cohort study investigates if higher levels of self reported physical activity at preoperative assessment is associated to lower risk of complications and lower mortality. Background: Previous studies of perioperative outcomes in high-income countries indicate that close to 20% had complications within 30 days after surgery, and that around 3% died within 1 yr after surgery. In multiple studies, postoperative complications massively increase risk of 1yr mortality. Whilst perioperative complications are under-reported, they affect length of stay and days at home up to 30 days after surgery (DAH30). DAH30 is a validated, patient-centered outcome measure with prognostic importance due to high sensitivity to changes in surgical risks and the impact of surgical complications. Data collection: Age, sex, body mass index, co-morbid conditions (using ICD-codes and reported medication) as well as American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) physical status classification will be recorded. Exposure: the Metabolic Equivalent of Task Score (MET-score), reported in the electronic health record by the attending anesthesiologist based on patient history in conjunction with the preoperative assessment. Analysis: The MET-score is the exposure/the dependent variable and the other factors will be used in multivariable analyses.