Muscle-specific strength predicts postoperative complications and survival in patients undergoing curative colectomy for colorectal cancer

Abstract

Background & aims

Muscle-specific strength was recently proposed as a component for the definition of sarcopenia. However, no previous study has investigated the association between muscle-specific strength and postoperative outcomes. The present study aims to explore the association between muscle-specific strength and postoperative outcomes in patients undergoing colectomy for colorectal cancer. We also aimed to investigate whether addition of muscle-specific strength to the definition of sarcopenia could lead to an increased prognostic value for postoperative outcomes.

Methods

Clinical data of 1252 patients who underwent curative colectomy for colorectal cancer were prospectively collected and retrospectively analyzed. Muscle mass was measured by skeletal muscle index (SMI) determined by the preoperative computed tomography (CT) images at the third vertebra level. Grip strength and 6-m usual gait speed were measured before surgery. Muscle-specific strength was determined by the ratio of grip strength to SMI.

Results

Low muscle-specific strength was associated with a higher incidence of postoperative complications, longer postoperative hospital stays, and more costs. Low muscle-specific strength was an independent predictor for postoperative complications, overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS). Addition of low muscle-specific strength to low muscle mass and strength led to significant predictive value for postoperative complications, and a higher hazard ratio in predicting OS and DFS.

Conclusion

Low muscle-specific strength could predict adverse postoperative outcomes in patients undergoing curative colectomy for colorectal cancer. Muscle-specific strength added prognostic value to sarcopenia for the prediction of postoperative outcomes, which should be incorporated into the diagnostic criteria of sarcopenia.