Gastrectomy for Gastric Cancer in Patients with BMI ≥ 30 kg/m 2

Abstract

Obesity is a major health issue in the modern world population and a risk factor for surgical procedures. This study examined perioperative and oncologic results of gastrectomy in obese patients diagnosed with gastric cancer. BMI ≥30 kg/m² was used to designate obesity. Five hundred and one patients were operated throughout the study period (2009–2018). The outcomes in obese patients (n = 205) were compared with those with normal weight (n = 171) and overweight (n = 125). The mean BMI was significantly different between the groups: 21.9 versus 26.7 versus 33.3 kg/m² (P < 0.01), respectively. Obesity was associated with higher incidence of comorbidities, longer operative time, and increased blood loss. Postoperative and short-term oncologic outcomes were similar. Median follow-up was 24 months with similar recurrence rates in the three groups. Median survival was comparable between the normal weight, overweight, and obese patients—36 (27–45) versus 42 (30–53) versus 32 (17–47) months, respectively (P = 0.63). Obesity itself does not deteriorate the surgical outcomes of gastrectomy in patients with gastric cancer. Although technically demanding in obese patients, adequate lymph node yield and satisfactory long-term oncologic outcomes can be achieved in this group.