Sophie   Hogan,James  Farag,Claire  Wilton,Felicity Ritorni,Virginia  Chan,Simon  Lai,Anna Rangan,Michael Solomon,Sharon Carey,
Pre and Postoperative Muscle Wastage and Sarcopenia Using CT Scans in Patients Undergoing Pelvic Exenteration Surgery
Surgery Case Reports
2020
2733-225X
http://dx.doi.org/10.31487/j.JSCR.2020.04.10
https://www.sciencerepository.org/pre-and-postoperative-muscle-wastage-and-sarcopenia-using-ct_JSCR-2020-4-110 
Abstract: Background: Sarcopenia is associated with poor postoperative outcomes in oncology patients. Computed
tomography (CT) scans can be used to identify muscle wasting and sarcopenia. This study aimed to
investigate if pelvic exenteration surgery leads to muscle wastage and thus, induction or exacerbation of
sarcopenia.
Methods: This is a retrospective review involving the analysis of CT scans before and after pelvic
exenteration surgery to determine skeletal muscle index and diagnose sarcopenia. Other clinical and
nutritional factors were collected.
Results: A total of 34 patients met the inclusion criteria. Postoperative skeletal muscle index was
significantly lower compared to preoperative skeletal muscle index (p=0.008). The incidence of sarcopenia
was 62% preoperatively and rose to 74% postoperatively (p=0.073). Postoperative sarcopenia was not
significantly associated with complications or mortality.
Conclusion: The skeletal muscle index significantly decreased postoperatively, indicating that pelvic
exenteration surgery leads to muscle wastage. The use of CT scans to recognise sarcopenia would allow
focusing of resources for those at risk.Keywords: Sarcopenia, surgical oncology, pelvic exenteration, nutrition