Obesity as a Predictive Factor in Laparoscopic Surgery for Rectal Cancer

Abstract

Abstract Background: Obesity is one of the current public health problems and one of the risk factors associated with colorectal cancer patients. Few current studies support the feasibility of laparoscopic surgery in rectal cancer in the obese patients. Methods: The study aims to highlight the impact of obesity on patients with rectal cancer approached laparoscopically and the feasibility of laparoscopic surgery in patients with BMI>30kg/m2. The current study is a retrospective study conducted between 01.01.2017-31.12.2021, at the General Surgery Clinic 1 of the County Emergency Hospital Constanta. We analysed the group of 51 patients, in two subgroups of obese (n=17,33.3%) and non-obese (n=34, 66.7%) patients. We performed an analysis of the two groups according to the essential aspects of preoperative, intraoperative and postoperative evolution (obese versus non-obese). Results: In terms of body mass index, the mean body mass index was 34.64 kg/m2. The obese group had a longer operative time and higher intraoperative blood loss. No significant differences were found in terms of systemic postoperative complications. Obese patients required more time for active mobilisation and resumption of bowel movement, more antibiotic and analgesic therapy and longer hospitalisation. Conclusions: Obesity may influence the evolution of patients with rectal neoplasia in terms of prolonged operative time and longer hospitalisation. Laparoscopic surgery is a safe option for the surgical treatment of patients with rectal cancer due to the low rate of local postoperative complications.