Impact of preoperative weight loss and body composition changes on postoperative outcome in surgery for inflammatory bowel disease.

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Abstract
Patients (127) undergoing elective surgery for inflammatory bowel disease [IBD] were divided into 3 groups according to their preoperative ideal body weight (< 80%, 80-90% and > 90%). The groups were well matched in respect to age, sex, corticosteroid therapy, pre-existing sepsis, peroperative antimicrobial chemotherapy and resection site. None received peroperative nutritional support. The postoperative outcome was similar in each of the 3 nutritional groups including the incidence of postoperative sepsis, duration of hospital stay and mortality. Serial peroperative changes in weight, fat and muscle bulk were assessed by anthropometric measurements in 21 of these patients. The deficits in weight, fat and muscle bulk were similar at 10 and 21 days postoperatively in the 3 groups. At 84 days those malnourished preoperatively recovered their nutritional status faster than the well nourished patients. In these patients undergoing elective resection for IBD preoperative weight loss did not adversely affect the postoperative outcome.