Comparison Of Sarcopenia Prevalence In Patients With Colorectal Cancer Versus Benign Colorectal Diseases Undergoing Surgery

Abstract

Objective: To compare the prevalence of sarcopenia among patients with colorectal cancer and benign colorectal diseases undergoing colorectal s urgery.

Methods: This was a comparative cross-sectional analytical study of 176 patients who underwent colorectal surgery, 88 of whom had colorectal cancer and 88 had benign colorectal diseases. Demographic, anthropometric, clinical, and nutritional data were gathered. SMA was measured at the third level of the lumbar vertebra by computed tomography (CT) before surgery, and skeletal muscle index (SMI) was also computed. The chi-square test was used to compare the prevalence of sarcopenia between groups of people. Logistic regression was used to assess factors associated with sarcopenia.

Results: Sarcopenia was significantly more prevalent among patients with colorectal cancer than those with benign colorectal diseases (p=0.003). The skeletal muscle index was significantly reduced in patients with CRC compared with the benign disease group (p=0.001). Older age, nutritional compromise, body mass index (BMI), weight loss, and colorectal cancer were related to sarcopenia. Multivariable analysis revealed that age ≥60 years, BMI <23 kg/m², weight loss, and colorectal cancer were all still independent of sarcopenia. There were statistically significantly increased odds of sarcopenia (p=0.020) with colorectal cancer.

Conclusion: The prevalence of sarcopenia in colorectal cancer patients was significantly higher when compared with patients with benign colorectal disease. Sarcopenia may be identified preoperatively and help identify the patients who need the optimization of nutrition and rehabilitation before colorectal surgery.