The purpose of a new study published in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery was to examine the impact of sarcopenia (low lean muscle mass) on postoperative complications in abdominoperineal resection (APR).

This retrospective surgery analyzed 178 patients who underwent APR from 2000-2017. Sarcopenia was identified on preoperative CT scans. Two cohorts were compared—group 1 with primary perineal closure and group 2 with flap-based perineal reconstruction.

The findings revealed the following:

• Sarcopenia was an independent risk factor for postoperative surgical site infection in patients undergoing APR.
• The risk for infection in sarcopenic patients who underwent flap-based perineal reconstruction, was higher.
• In addition, male sex was found to be a risk factor for infection.
• Besides, perineal flap-based reconstruction was a risk factor for delayed wound healing.

Hence, sarcopenia was an independent risk factor for infection in patients undergoing APR. This risk was even greater in patients undergoing flap-based perineal reconstruction. It was stated that sarcopenia can be identified on preoperative imaging, to inform surgeons on risk stratification and surgical plan.

Source: Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. 2019 Jul 26;7(7):e2343. doi: 10.1097/GOX.0000000000002343.