Impact of obesity on complications after resection for rectal cancer

• Published in: Colorectal disease Vol. 16; no. 11; pp. 896 - 906
• Main Authors: Bokey, L., Chapuis, P. H., Dent, O. F.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England Blackwell Publishing Ltd 01.11.2014
• Subjects: Adenocarcinoma - complications; Adenocarcinoma - surgery; Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Colorectal cancer; complications; Female; Follow-Up Studies; Humans; Logistic Models; Male; Middle Aged; obesity; Obesity - complications; Postoperative Complications - epidemiology; Postoperative Complications - etiology; Rectal Neoplasms - complications; Rectal Neoplasms - surgery; Registries; Treatment Outcome; complications; obesity; Colorectal cancer
• ISSN: 1462-8910; 1463-1318
• DOI: 10.1111/codi.12726

Aim The prevalence of obesity in Australia is high and increasing, with associated serious negative effects on health. The technical complexity of rectal cancer surgery is exacerbated in obese patients, which may compromise outcomes. The aim of this study was to examine the association between obesity and complications after resection of rectal cancer. Method Data were drawn from a comprehensive prospective registry of rectal cancer resections performed from 2007 to 2011 by members of the colorectal surgical unit in a tertiary referral hospital and in a single private hospital with which they were affiliated. Results Of 255 patients who had a resection for rectal cancer during the study period, 95 (37%) were classified as obese on the basis of a body mass index (BMI) ≥ 30 kg/m2. Among 24 postoperative complications the only significant differences for obese patients were higher rates of wound complications (16% vs 8%, P = 0.038), small bowel obstruction (4% vs 0%, P = 0.019) and prolonged ileus (18% vs 8%, P = 0.011). The total number of complications did not differ significantly between obese and nonobese patients, and there was no difference between obese and nonobese patients in the rates of reoperation and postoperative death. Conclusion This study did not support an association between obesity and early postoperative complications after resection of rectal cancer.