Effect of Preoperative Body Composition on Postoperative Anastomotic Leakage in Oncological Ivor Lewis Esophagectomy—A Retrospective Cohort Study

Abstract

Esophageal cancer surgery is associated with a high risk of postoperative complications such as anastomotic leakage (AL). Preoperative malnutrition is a potential risk factor but the best way to diagnose its status remains unclear. The use of preoperative CT scans to detect deficits in body composition such as a reduced skeletal muscle index (SMI) can help to identify high-risk patients for postoperative complications. This study aimed to analyze clinical data of 111 patients after esophagectomy by correlating their preoperative CT scans with postoperative outcomes. These data showed reduced SMI in patients with postoperative (AL) and a prolonged postoperative length of stay in hospital in this group.