Effect of BMI on Operative Time in Patients Undergoing Distal Pancreatectomy

Area of Science:

• Surgical Oncology
• Gastroenterology
• Clinical Research

Background:

• Preoperative body mass index (BMI) is a known factor influencing surgical outcomes.
• The specific impact of BMI on operative time for distal pancreatectomy (DP) is not well-established.
• This study investigates the relationship between BMI and operative duration in DP procedures.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine if higher preoperative body mass index (BMI) correlates with increased operative time in distal pancreatectomy (DP).
• To assess the influence of BMI on operative duration across different surgical approaches for DP.
• To evaluate the predictive value of continuous versus categorical BMI in relation to surgical outcomes.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective review of 48 patients undergoing distal pancreatectomy (DP) between October 2019 and April 2024.
• Patients were stratified by surgical approach: laparoscopic, robotic, robotic-to-open conversion, and open procedures.
• Statistical analyses, including Pearson correlation and linear regression, were used to assess the impact of BMI on operative time, controlling for confounding variables.

Main Results:

• A mean BMI of 28.9 was observed, with 31.3% of patients classified as obese (BMI ≥ 30).
• A significant positive correlation was found between higher BMI and longer operative time (r = 0.333, p = 0.021).
• Continuous BMI measurement showed a significant association with intensive care unit (ICU) admission (p = 0.008), unlike categorical BMI.

Conclusions:

• Elevated preoperative body mass index (BMI) is significantly associated with increased operative time in distal pancreatectomy (DP).
• Continuous BMI assessment offers greater predictive value for surgical outcomes compared to categorical BMI classifications.
• Preoperative optimization and planning are recommended for DP patients with higher BMIs to mitigate potential operative challenges.