Sarcopenia and Neuromuscular Block in Gastrointestinal Cancer Surgery

Not yet recruiting

• Conditions: Gastrointestinal Cancer; Sarcopenia; Neuromuscular Blockade

• Registration Number: NCT07003061
• Lead Sponsor: Dr Abdurrahman Yurtaslan Ankara Oncology Training and Research Hospital

Brief Summary

This prospective observational study aims to evaluate the effects of sarcopenia on intraoperative neuromuscular block (NMB) in patients undergoing gastrointestinal cancer surgery. Adult patients scheduled for elective gastrointestinal cancer surgery will be grouped as sarcopenic or non-sarcopenic based on preoperative abdominal CT scans. Neuromuscular block parameters, including onset time, depth, duration, and recovery, will be objectively measured using TOF (Train-of-Four) monitoring. The study seeks to determine whether sarcopenia influences sensitivity to muscle relaxants and to contribute to individualized anesthesia management and patient safety.

Detailed Description

Sarcopenia, characterized by the loss of skeletal muscle mass and function, is a significant clinical parameter affecting both prognosis and perioperative management in patients with gastrointestinal (GI) cancer. It may alter the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties of anesthetic agents, particularly neuromuscular blocking agents. This prospective observational study will be conducted at Dr. Abdurrahman Yurtaslan Ankara Oncology Training and Research Hospital between June 1, 2025, and September 1, 2025.

Adult patients (aged 18 and above) scheduled for elective GI cancer surgery who have undergone preoperative abdominal computed tomography (CT) will be included. Patients with neuromuscular diseases, those on chronic steroid or immunosuppressive therapy, or those with significant organ failure will be excluded. Preoperative CT images at the L3 vertebral level will be evaluated by a radiologist to determine sarcopenia status, and patients will be divided into sarcopenic and non-sarcopenic groups according to established cut-off values.

All patients will receive standard anesthesia monitoring, including TOF (Train-of-Four) neuromuscular monitoring. The study will not alter any treatment protocols. After administration of muscle relaxants during anesthesia induction, neuromuscular block parameters such as onset time, depth, duration, need for reversal agents, and recovery time will be recorded. Demographic data, comorbidities, laboratory findings, type of surgery, and details of muscle relaxant use will also be collected.

The primary objective is to compare intraoperative neuromuscular block parameters between sarcopenic and non-sarcopenic patients. Statistical analysis will be performed using appropriate parametric or non-parametric tests for continuous variables and chi-square tests for categorical variables. The study aims to provide evidence for individualized dosing of muscle relaxants and to improve patient safety in anesthesia practice for GI cancer surgery.

Study Timeline

• Status Verified: 2025-05
• Study First Submitted: 2025-05-26
• Study First Submitted QC: 2025-05-26
• Last Update Submitted: 2025-05-26
• Study Start: 2025-06-01
• Study First Posted: 2025-06-04
• Last Update Posted: 2025-06-04
• Primary Completion: 2025-09-01
• Study Completion: 2025-09-10

Recruitment & Eligibility

• Status: NOT_YET_RECRUITING
• Sex: All
• Target Recruitment: 100

Inclusion Criteria

Age between 18 and 75 years Diagnosed with gastrointestinal cancer and scheduled for elective surgery Underwent preoperative abdominal computed tomography (CT) scan

Exclusion Criteria

History of neuromuscular disease Receiving chronic steroid or immunosuppressive therapy Presence of electrolyte imbalance Use of medications affecting neuromuscular transmission Severe organ failure in the preoperative period (e.g., liver or kidney failure) Refusal to participate in the study

Study & Design

• Study Type: OBSERVATIONAL
• Study Design: Not specified

Primary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Difference in intraoperative neuromuscular block parameters between sarcopenic and non-sarcopenic patients	During surgery (from anesthesia induction to extubation)	Neuromuscular block parameters, including onset time, depth of block (measured by TOF ratio), duration of block, total dose of muscle relaxant, need for reversal agent, and recovery time, will be measured and compared between sarcopenic and non-sarcopenic groups.