Impact of obesity on short-term results of laparoscopic rectal cancer resection.

INTRODUCTION: The influence of obesity [body mass index (BMI) >or= 30 kg/m(2)] on the outcome of laparoscopic colorectal surgery remains controversial. The complexity of rectal laparoscopic resections requires a specific assessment of the impact of obesity on the feasibility and short-term results of the surgery.
METHODS: Between February 2002 and May 2007, 210 laparoscopic mesorectal excisions were performed. Demographic, oncologic and perioperative data were entered in a prospective database. Twenty-four patients (11.4%) with BMI over 30 kg/m(2) formed the obese group (OG). The outcomes in the OG and the nonobese group (NOG) were compared.
RESULTS: There were significantly more American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) score 3 patients (26% in OG versus 9% in NOG; p = 0.03) in the obese group. Obese patients experienced longer operative times (513 min in OG vs. 421 min in NOG; p < 0.01) and more frequent conversion to laparotomy (46% in OG vs. 12% in NOG; p < 0.001). Morbidity grade 1 was higher in the obese group (29.2% vs. 9.7% in NOG; p = 0.01), but there was no difference in regards to morbidity grade 2 or more (33.3% in OG vs. 32.3% in NOG). In addition, conversion to laparotomy among the obese did not increase significantly morbidity grade 2 or higher (5 of 11 for OG converted vs. 3 of 13 for OG nonconverted; p = 0.39). Regarding the oncological parameters (e.g. number of lymph nodes removed, distal and lateral margins) there was no difference between groups.
CONCLUSION: Obesity increases operative duration and conversion rate of rectal laparoscopic resection for cancer. Although obesity is associated with a worse preoperative evaluation, there is no increase in relevant morbidity and no impairment of oncological safety.