An investigation of the effects of frailty and sarcopenia on postoperative recovery and complications in geriatric patients undergoing colorectal cancer surgery

In our study, we aimed to investigate the effects of frailty and sarcopenia on postoperative recovery and complications in geriatric patients undergoing colorectal cancer surgery. After obtaining ethical approval, 42 patients with ASA scores I-III who were scheduled for surgery under general anesthesia were included in our prospective study. After monitoring, and frailty was assessed using the FRAIL scale, and sarcopenia was assessed using the STAR ratio. Rectus femoris and vastus intermedius muscle thicknesses were measured and recorded using ultrasonography. Thigh lengths were measured and recorded. Rectus Femoris/Thigh Length (RF/B), Vastus Intermedius/Thigh Length (VI/B), and Total Muscle Thickness/Thigh Length (T/B) were calculated and recorded. After surgery, patients were followed up according to the Modified Aldrete Score, and the time to reach 9-10 points was recorded. Discharge times from the recovery unit were recorded. Postoperatively, complications were followed up using the Clavien-Dindo Classification, and discharge times from the hospital were recorded. The findings showed a significant difference between the frailty status and ASA scores. There was a significant difference between age and frailty status. There was a significant difference in muscle thickness between frailty status and pre-frailty status. There was a significant difference in age between sarcopenic men and women. In male patients, a significant relationship was found between the VI/B value and the diagnosis of sarcopenia. In women, a significant relationship was found between RF/B, VI/B, and T/B values and the diagnosis of sarcopenia. In conclusion, sarcopenic patients can be predicted preoperatively by measuring VI/B, and the preoperative health status of patients can be optimized. Key Words: Frailty, Sarcopenia, Ultrasonography, rectus femoris, Recovery from Anesthesia, Postoperative Complications