Sarcopenia's Impact Defined by Grip Strength and Muscle Mass on Post-hepatectomy Outcomes: A Multicenter Analysis.

Background/aim: Sarcopenia is diagnosed based on grip strength and skeletal muscle mass. Although decreased skeletal muscle mass has been reported to be associated with poor outcomes after hepatectomy, a few studies have included data on grip strength in hepatectomy candidates. This multicenter study investigated the clinical factors and postoperative complications associated with sarcopenia by assessing the grip strength and skeletal muscle mass in patients undergoing hepatectomy for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

Patients and methods: Data from patients who underwent hepatectomy for HCC between January 2020 and March 2022 were retrospectively collected from multi-institutional databases. Sarcopenia was defined as reduced grip strength and skeletal muscle mass. The patients were categorized into the sarcopenia and non-sarcopenia groups, and baseline characteristics and short term outcomes were compared between the two groups.

Results: Overall, 253 patients were included, among which 36 (14.2%) had sarcopenia. The sarcopenia group was significantly associated with older age, low body mass index, comorbid heart or chronic pulmonary disease, cerebrovascular accident history, and overall and major postoperative complications compared to the non-sarcopenia group. Among major postoperative complications [Clavien-Dindo classification (CDC) ≥III], the incidence of bile leakage and intra-abdominal abscess were higher in the sarcopenia group than in the non-sarcopenia group. Multivariate analysis revealed that sarcopenia was an independent risk factor for overall and major postoperative complications (CDC ≥III).

Conclusion: Sarcopenia, defined by grip strength and skeletal muscle mass, is a predictor of overall and major complications after hepatectomy for HCC.