Perioperative HALP and Surgical Outcomes

Esophagectomy remains the cornerstone of curative treatment for localized esophageal cancer but is associated with a high incidence of postoperative morbidity despite advances in surgical techniques and perioperative care. Early identification of patients at increased risk of postoperative complications remains an important objective in perioperative medicine, as timely recognition of physiological deterioration may facilitate closer monitoring and individualized postoperative management.

The Hemoglobin, Albumin, Lymphocyte, and Platelet (HALP) score is a composite biomarker derived from routinely available laboratory parameters that integrates nutritional, inflammatory, hematologic, and immune status. Previous studies have primarily evaluated preoperative HALP as a prognostic indicator for long-term oncological outcomes in various malignancies. However, limited evidence is available regarding perioperative changes in HALP and whether postoperative HALP measurements provide clinically relevant information following major upper gastrointestinal surgery.

This retrospective cohort study evaluates perioperative HALP measurements obtained before surgery, on postoperative day 1, and on postoperative day 7 in patients undergoing esophagectomy. The study investigates perioperative HALP dynamics and examines the associations between HALP measurements at different time points and clinically relevant postoperative outcomes, including overall complications, major complications, anastomotic leakage, ICU readmission, and length of hospital stay.

The objective of this study is to characterize perioperative changes in HALP and to explore its potential role as a perioperative biomarker associated with postoperative recovery and adverse clinical outcomes after esophagectomy. Findings from this study may contribute to a better understanding of the temporal behavior of HALP following major surgery and inform future prospective studies evaluating its clinical utility in perioperative risk assessment and postoperative monitoring.

Inclusion criteria

• Adults aged 18 years or older.
• Histologically confirmed esophageal cancer.
• Underwent elective esophagectomy with curative intent between June 2020 and March 2025.
• Available laboratory data for calculation of the Hemoglobin, Albumin, Lymphocyte, and Platelet (HALP) score preoperatively and on postoperative days 1 and 7.
• Complete clinical data regarding postoperative outcomes

Exclusion criteria

• Age younger than 18 years.
• Benign esophageal disease or surgery performed for indications other than esophageal cancer.
• Emergency esophagectomy.
• Missing laboratory data required for calculation of the HALP score at any of the predefined time points (preoperative, postoperative day 1, or postoperative day 7).
• Incomplete clinical or follow-up data regarding postoperative outcomes.