Low muscularity increases the risk for post-operative pneumonia and delays recovery from complications after oesophago-gastric cancer resection

Lisa C. Murnane, Adrienne K. Forsyth, Jim Koukounaras, Charles H.C. Pilgrim, Kalai Shaw, Wendy A. Brown, Marina Mourtzakis, Audrey C. Tierney, Paul R. Burton

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Background: Low muscularity is associated with adverse surgical outcomes. We aimed to determine whether low muscularity is associated with an increased risk of post-operative complications and reduced long-term survival after oesophago-gastric cancer surgery. Methods: Patients who underwent radical oesophago-gastric cancer surgery with preoperative abdominal computed tomography (CT) imaging were included. Low skeletal muscle index (SMI), measured by CT, was determined using pre-defined cut-points. Oncological, surgical, complications and outcome data were obtained from a prospective database. Results: Of 108 patients, 61% (n = 66) had low SMI preoperatively. Patients with low SMI had a higher rate of post-operative pneumonia (30 vs. 7% normal muscularity, P = 0.004). Median length of stay (LOS) was higher in patients with low SMI if they had any complication (19.5 vs. 14 days, P = 0.026) or pneumonia (21 vs. 13 days, P = 0.018). On multivariate analysis, low SMI (OR 3.85, CI 1.10–13.4, P = 0.025), preoperative weight loss (OR 1.13, CI 1.01–1.25, P = 0.027), and smoking (OR 5.08, CI 1.24–20.9, P = 0.024) were independent predictors of having a severe complication. There was no difference in 5-year overall (62% vs. 69%, P = 0.241) and disease-free (11% vs. 21.4%, P = 0.110) survival between low SMI and normal muscle mass groups. Conclusion: Low SMI is associated with a significantly increased risk of pneumonia and increased LOS for patients with complications. Assessment of muscle mass may require additional muscle quality, strength, and physical performance measures to enhance preoperative risk assessment.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)2683-2689
Number of pages7
JournalANZ Journal of Surgery
Volume91
Issue number12
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Dec 2021

Keywords

  • complications
  • gastrectomy
  • muscle mass
  • oesophagectomy
  • pneumonia

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