Factors influencing postoperative complications in patients with gastric cancer: A retrospective study.

Abstract

Background: Gastric cancer is a malignancy with high morbidity and mortality rates. Surgical intervention, particularly gastrectomy, is essential for curative treatment but carries a substantial risk of complications. Identifying key risk factors and understanding complication profiles are crucial for improving outcomes and guiding perioperative management.

Aim: To analyze the incidence of postoperative complications in patients with gastric cancer and identify potential risk factors.

Methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis of 500 patients who underwent gastrectomy between January 2018 and December 2022. Postoperative complications were classified using the Clavien-Dindo system.

Results: The overall complication rate was 28.4% (142/500), with 15.2% (76/500) experiencing major complications (Clavien-Dindo grade ≥ III). Pulmonary complications were the most frequent (10.8%), followed by surgical site infections (8.6%), and anastomotic leakage (4.2%). Age 70 years or more, body mass index of 25 kg/m² or more, advanced tumor stage, total gastrectomy, and operative time 240 min or more emerged as independent risk factors.

Conclusion: Focused preoperative risk assessment, targeted interventions, and reduced operative time for older or obese patients requiring total gastrectomy or presenting with advanced disease are important to improve surgical outcomes.