Published on: 29-Oct-2024
Research shows that educated patients can have better outcomes. Dr. Cole is committed to educating his patients and their families on sports medicine conditions and treatment options. We hope you enjoy hearing Dr. Cole’s discussions on joint health.
Video Transcript
Optimizing Your Surgical Outcomes: A Simple Guide
I frequently receive questions from patients about how to optimize their surgical outcomes. Preparing for surgery can seem daunting, but there are effective strategies to enhance recovery and reduce risks. Here’s what you need to know:
Reducing Risks and Enhancing Recovery
Surgery, while often necessary, comes with potential risks such as infection, muscle atrophy, and prolonged disability. Research from McGill University has provided valuable insights into mitigating these risks. Specifically, pre-operative and post-operative protein supplementation has been shown to significantly improve recovery outcomes.
The Power of Protein
A recent study highlights that both pre-operative and post-operative protein supplementation can help:
- Reduce muscle atrophy
- Decrease the likelihood of infection
- Shorten recovery time
Here’s a simple program to follow:
- Pre-Operative Protein Supplementation: Begin taking a high-quality whey protein with leucine two weeks before your surgery. This helps prepare your body by preserving muscle mass and strengthening your immune system.
- Carbohydrate Drink: On the day of your surgery, consume a carbohydrate drink immediately before the procedure. This helps counteract the effects of fasting required for surgery.
- Post-Operative Protein Supplementation: Continue taking the whey protein with leucine for two weeks after your surgery to support muscle recovery and overall healing.
Easy Access and Implementation
You can conveniently order high-quality whey protein online, and it will be delivered right to your home. Even if you start this regimen within a week of your surgery and continue post-operatively, you will still gain benefits.
For more details on this program, visit the “Perioperative Nutrition” section on my website, briancolemd.com.
Commitment to Excellence in Orthopedic Care
At Rush University, where I am proud to serve as a faculty member in the Department of Orthopedic Surgery, we are at the forefront of orthopedic research. Our department is home to the Midwest’s largest team of bone and joint scientists. We work alongside elite laboratory researchers and data scientists to pioneer new solutions for musculoskeletal conditions.
Our research is instrumental in shaping orthopedic care globally and is supported by donors, patients, and families who share our vision of helping more people live active, pain-free lives.
To learn more about participating in research or supporting our work, please reach out to a member of my team or visit our website at www.rush.edu/LiveActive.
Remember, the best orthopedic care starts with the best research. Together, we can make strides toward improving surgical outcomes and enhancing quality of life.
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