Predictive Value of Preoperative Rectus and Diaphragm Muscle Thickness for Postoperative Complications in Gastrointestinal Cancer Surgery

Background and Aim:

Gastrointestinal system (GIS) malignancies are commonly encountered and carry a significant risk of serious complications following surgery. Therefore, several studies in the literature have focused on identifying parameters that can predict the risk of postoperative complications in patients undergoing surgery for GIS malignancies. Some publications have suggested that preoperative nutritional indices may help predict the development of complications, evaluating specific parameters through biochemical tests or radiological assessments of muscle and fat mass.

In our study, we aim to investigate the relationship between preoperative rectus abdominis and diaphragm muscle thickness-measured via ultrasonography during routine fascial block procedures-and the rate of complications occurring within the first 30 days postoperatively in patients undergoing surgery for GIS malignancies.

Methodology:

Patients whose rectus abdominis and diaphragm muscle thickness were measured during routine preoperative fascial block ultrasonography will be included in the study. No additional intervention or procedure is planned; patients will be evaluated as part of standard clinical practice, and their postoperative outcomes will be recorded observationally. No additional tests requiring reimbursement from the national health insurance system will be performed as part of the study.

Study Hypotheses:

H₀ (Null Hypothesis): There is no significant difference in rectus abdominis and diaphragm muscle thickness between patients who develop complications within the first 30 days after GIS malignancy surgery and those who do not.

H₁ (Alternative Hypothesis): There is a significant difference in rectus abdominis and diaphragm muscle thickness between patients who develop complications within the first 30 days after GIS malignancy surgery and those who do not.

Data Collection Tools:

Data will be collected prospectively from routine clinical evaluations. Ultrasonographic measurements of rectus abdominis and diaphragm muscle thickness will be performed by the researchers during routine preoperative fascial block procedures. No additional tests or procedures requiring reimbursement from SGK will be performed. Patient identities and personal data will be kept confidential by the researchers, and all procedures carried out within the study will pose no additional risk to the patients.

Statistical Analysis:

Data obtained from the study will be analyzed using SPSS (Statistical Package for the Social Sciences) version 25.0 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY, USA). Descriptive statistics (e.g., number, percentage, median) will be used to summarize the data. Quantitative variables will be evaluated using the t-test or Mann-Whitney U test, while categorical variables will be analyzed using the chi-square test or Fisher's exact test. The relationship between rectus and diaphragm muscle thickness and the development of complications will be assessed using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. A p-value of <0.05 will be considered statistically significant, and 95% confidence intervals will be reported.

Inclusion criteria

• Age over 18 years
• Patients scheduled for laparoscopic or open surgery due to GIS malignancy between 01.05.2025 and 01.11.2025
• Postoperative follow-up at our center for a minimum of 30 days

Exclusion criteria

• Age under 18 years
• Patients not undergoing surgery
• Patients undergoing surgery for indications other than GIS malignancy
• Patients with follow-up data shorter than 30 days