Physical activity reduces postoperative delirium risk in cancer surgery patients

Research presented at the ANESTHESIOLOGY 2026 annual meeting indicates that regular physical activity before cancer surgery may significantly reduce the risk of postoperative delirium. The study, which included 258 patients undergoing tumor removal between 2024 and 2025, found that patients who engaged in a combination of walking and moderate or vigorous activity at least seven times a week had a 50% lower risk of developing delirium compared to less active patients.

Postoperative delirium is a sudden state of confusion affecting approximately 20% of surgical patients, particularly older adults. It can impair memory and attention, while also leading to longer hospital stays and increased mortality risks. Researchers suggest that physical preparation, or prehabilitation, may protect the brain as well as the body during recovery.

Additionally, separate findings noted that cannabis consumption may increase the probability of heart attacks near the time of surgery due to its effects on the heart and blood vessels, though it was associated with a decreased likelihood of certain blood clots.