Sarcopenia predicts poor long-term survival but not postoperative complications in gastric cancer surgery: an 18-year retrospective cohort study.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

Sarcopenia, defined as the loss of skeletal muscle mass and function, is common in gastric cancer (GC) patients and has been associated with adverse outcomes. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of sarcopenia on postoperative complications, mortality, and long-term survival following gastrectomy for GC.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective cohort study of 337 patients who underwent gastrectomy with curative intent at a single tertiary centre between 2000 and 2017. Sarcopenia was defined using CT-based skeletal muscle index at the L3 level, threshold values of ≤ 39 cm²/m² for women and ≤ 55 cm²/m² for men. The primary outcome was overall survival (OS). Postoperative complication burden assessed using the Comprehensive Complication Index (CCI), along with 30-

SUBMITTER: Back J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12777426 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature