Assessing the impact of sarcopaenia on outcomes in gastrointestinal cancer surgery

Sarcopaenia is characterised by progressive loss of muscle mass and function. It is common in patients with cancer, especially those who are nutritionally deplete or elderly, as is commonly the case in gastrointestinal cancers. In epidemiological studies, sarcopaenia is found in the vast majority of patients, with up to 44.8-83.3% and 60.7-83% of patients with gastric and oesophageal cancer respectively affected. Sarcopaenia has been associated with a variety of poor outcomes. This includes increased mortality, poor survival rates, prolonged hospitalisation and post-operative complications. The purpose of this study is to better describe sarcopaenia in our population, its impact on outcomes, the effect of cancer treatment on rates of sarcopaenia, and potential factors that may help to prevent sarcopaenia-related adverse outcomes. We also endeavour to evaluate our current ability to assess sarcopaenia and what interventions, if any, are implemented as a result of this.