Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) in thoracic surgery represents a rapidly evolving field aimed at transforming perioperative care for patients undergoing lung resections and other thoracic procedures. The integration of multidisciplinary, protocol-driven approaches promises reductions in perioperative stress, improved pain control, and shortened hospital stays. Despite its established efficacy in other surgical disciplines, the adoption and optimization of ERAS in thoracic surgery have been hindered by unique challenges—namely, the high cardiopulmonary risk and significant post-operative pain. Current literature often suffers from methodological limits, with much of the evidence base relying on non-randomized studies that may introduce bias. Furthermore, surgeons’ apprehensions regarding early ambulation, alongside fears of post-operative complications, highlight the ongoing debate about the safe boundaries of ERAS protocols. This creates an urgent need for rigorous, standardized research to clarify effective and safe strategies for enhanced recovery in thoracic practice.

This Research Topic aims to define and evaluate optimal protocols for pre-habilitation and early ambulation within thoracic ERAS pathways. Central objectives include examining how physical and psychological preparation ahead of surgery can optimize functional status, and how timely initiation of mobilization post-operatively influences key outcomes such as pleural drainage, pulmonary complications, and overall recovery. The collection seeks to answer pivotal questions regarding the readiness of patients and clinicians to adopt intensive ERAS strategies, as well as to investigate the balance between promoting rapid recovery and ensuring patient safety in the unique context of thoracic surgery.

Submissions should focus on the perioperative interventions in thoracic ERAS, with special emphasis on pre-habilitation and ambulation. Studies outside this specific context or not directly addressing measurable clinical outcomes may fall outside the primary scope. To further develop this field, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:

-Pre-habilitation protocols for thoracic surgery patients
-Immediate post-operative mobilization and patient safety considerations
-Quantitative analysis of pleural lymphatic drainage and respiratory outcomes post-ambulation
-Multidisciplinary approaches to ERAS implementation in thoracic care
-Psychosocial and educational interventions in patient and family engagement
-Barriers and facilitators to ERAS adoption among thoracic surgeons and healthcare professionals
-Development and validation of homogeneous ERAS protocols for thoracic surgery
-Comparative outcomes between ERAS and traditional recovery pathways

Are you interested in contributing a manuscript to this Research Topic?

Enhanced Recovery in Thoracic Surgery: The Role of Ambulation and Pre-habilitation