Preoperative CT-Based Skeletal Muscle Mass Depletion and Outcomes after Total Laryngectomy

Abstract

Purpose: To assess the role of preoperative CT-based skeletal muscle mass depletion on postoperative clinical outcomes and survival in patients who underwent total laryngectomy for cancer. Methods: Patients operated on between January 2011 and March 2020 were retrospectively included. Skeletal muscle area and intra- and inter-muscular fat accumulation were measured at the third lumbar vertebral level on preoperative CT scans. Skeletal muscle mass depletion was defined based on pre-established cut-off values. Their association with postoperative morbidity, length of stay (LOS), costs, and survival was assessed. Results: A total of 84 patients were included, of which 37 (44%) had preoperative skeletal muscle mass depletion. The rate of postoperative fistula (23% vs. 35%, p = 0.348), cutaneous cervical dehiscence (17% vs. 11%, p = 0.629), superficial incisional surgical site infections (SSI) (12% vs. 10%, p = 1.000), and unplanned reoperation (38% vs. 37%, p = 1.000) were comparable between the two patient groups. No difference in median LOS was observed (41 vs. 33 days, p = 0.295), nor in treatment costs (119,976 vs. 109,402 CHF, p = 0.585). The median overall survival was comparable between the two groups (3.43 vs. 4.95 years, p = 0.09). Conclusions: Skeletal muscle mass depletion alone had no significant impact on postoperative clinical outcomes or survival.