Can Goals for Early Postoperative Ambulation After Esophagectomy Be Established?

Treatment of esophageal cancer involves (neo)adjuvant therapy followed by esophagectomy. Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) programs aim to improve postoperative outcomes, and early mobilization is a key component of such programs. However, evidence on specific mobilization targets is lacking. This chapter aims to evaluate the impact of early postoperative ambulation on surgical outcomes and define mobilization goals. Ambulation within 24 h of esophagectomy is a reasonable goal, and early ambulation is associated with numerous benefits related to reduced complications and shortened recovery.