Patterns and Predictors of Weight Loss After Gastrectomy for Cancer

Weight loss following gastrectomy for patients with gastric cancer has not been well characterized. We assessed the impact of patient and procedure-specific variables on postoperative weight loss following gastrectomy for cancer.

A prospectively maintained gastric cancer database identified patients undergoing gastrectomy for cancer. Clinical and pathologic characteristics, baseline body mass index (BMI), and postoperative weights were extracted. Change in weight was analyzed by percent change in weight and absolute change in BMI. Random coefficients models were used to test whether the rate of change in weight over time differed by factors of interest.

Of 376 consecutive patients who underwent resection for gastric adenocarcinoma, 55 % were male, median age 66 years, and mean preoperative BMI 27.1 (range 16.2-45.6). Total gastrectomy was associated with more weight loss than subtotal gastrectomy at 1 year (15 vs. 6 %, early stage; 17 vs. 7 %, late stage). Maximum weight change was observed at 6-12 months after operation and remained stable or improved at 2 years. For early- and late-stage patients, median percent weight loss at 1 year was greater for BMI ≥ 30 versus BMI < 30 (14 vs. 8 %, early stage; 15 vs. 9 %, late stage).

The extent of weight loss after gastrectomy for gastric cancer is dependent on preoperative BMI and extent of gastric resection. Maximum weight change is expected by 12 months after operation and will stabilize or improve over time.