6 Minute Walk Test (6-MWT) as a Tool for Predicting Post Operative Pulmonary Complications in Abdominal Surgeries

Background: Post operative pulmonary complications (PPC) contribute to increased morbidity and mortality. Thus pre operative assessment is required. Six minute walk test (6-MWT) is a simple and reliable test which is recently being included in pre operative evaluation.

Objectives: The objective of this study is to determine the value of the six minute walk test as a reliable tool in detecting post operative pulmonary complications in patients undergoing abdominal surgery.

Materials and Methods: It is a prospective observational study conducted in a tertiary care centre for a period of 3 months. 66 patients in the age group of 40-60 years undergoing elective abdominal surgery under general anaesthesia were included in this study based on universal sampling method. Patients with recent coronary syndrome, uncontrolled hypertension, cardiac diseases, pregnancy and conditions which impair walking (eg. Arthiritis) were excluded from the study. 6 minute walk test was performed before the surgery. The procedure was explained to the patients and consent was obtained. The test was conducted on a flat surface of 20m near our pre anaesthetic clinic and the patient was asked to walk for a period of 6 minutes in their own comfortable pace. The distance covered by the patients in the 6 minutes was noted. Vitals such a SpO2, heart rate, systolic and diastolic blood pressures were recorded before and after the test. The patients were followed up for the development of pulmonary complications in the post operative period.

Results: Out of the 66 patients included in the study, 35 patients did not develop PPC (Group 1) and 31 patients developed PPC (Group2) including one death due to respiratory failure. The six minute walk distance in the PPC group was significantly less (p=0.0001) when compared to that of the non PPC group. Patients in the PPC group also required prolonged hospital stay. Pneumonia was the most commonly developed post operative pulmonary complication.

Conclusion: Six minute walk test is a useful tool in predicting post operative pulmonary complication in patients undergoing abdominal surgery.