The Role of Preoperative Rectus Abdominis and Diaphragm Muscle Thickness in Predicting Postoperative Complications in Patients Undergoing Surgery for Gastrointestinal Malignancies: A Prospective Observational Study

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.