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Open Access 01-03-2012 | Gastrointestinal Oncology

A High Body Mass Index in Esophageal Cancer Patients Does Not Influence Postoperative Outcome or Long-Term Survival

Authors: R. L. G. M. Blom, MD, S. M. Lagarde, MD, PhD, J. H. G. Klinkenbijl, MD, PhD, O. R. C. Busch, MD, PhD, M. I. van Berge Henegouwen, MD, PhD

Published in: Annals of Surgical Oncology | Issue 3/2012

Abstract

Background

The body mass index (BMI) in the general population has increased over the past decades. A high BMI is a known risk factor for the development of esophageal adenocarcinoma. Several studies on the influence of a high BMI on the postoperative course and survival after esophagectomy have shown contradictory results. The aim of the present study was to determine the influence of a high BMI on postoperative complications and survival among a large cohort of esophageal cancer patients.

Methods

Patients who underwent an esophagectomy between 1993 and 2010 were divided into three groups according to their BMI: normal weight (<25 kg/m²), overweight (25–30 kg/m²) or obese (≥30 kg/m²). Severity of complications was scored according to the Dindo classification, which was divided into three categories: no complications, minor to moderate complications, and severe complications. Long-term survival was determined according to the Kaplan–Meier method.

Results

A total of 736 esophagectomy patients were divided into three groups: normal weight (n = 352), overweight (n = 308), and obese (n = 72). Complications rates were similar for all groups (65–72%, P = 0.241). The incidence of anastomotic leakage was higher among obese patients compared to the other groups (20% vs. 10–12% respectively, P = 0.019), but there was no significant difference between the three groups regarding the severity of complications according to the Dindo classification (P = 0.660) or in 5-year survival rates (P = 0.517).

Conclusions

A high BMI is not associated with an increased incidence or severity of complications after esophagectomy; however, anastomotic leakage occurred more frequently in obese patients. Five-year survival rates were not influenced by the preoperative BMI. A high BMI is therefore ought not be an exclusion criterion for esophagectomy.

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Title: A High Body Mass Index in Esophageal Cancer Patients Does Not Influence Postoperative Outcome or Long-Term Survival
Authors: R. L. G. M. Blom, MD
S. M. Lagarde, MD, PhD
J. H. G. Klinkenbijl, MD, PhD
O. R. C. Busch, MD, PhD
M. I. van Berge Henegouwen, MD, PhD
Publication date: 01-03-2012
Publisher: Springer-Verlag
Published in: Annals of Surgical Oncology / Issue 3/2012
Print ISSN: 1068-9265
Electronic ISSN: 1534-4681
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1245/s10434-011-2103-7

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

A High Body Mass Index in Esophageal Cancer Patients Does Not Influence Postoperative Outcome or Long-Term Survival

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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