Predictors of Thoracic Complications After Bilateral Diaphragmatic Stripping During Cytoreductive Surgery for...

Background and Objective: This study aimed to identify preoperative and intraoperative factors associated with thoracic complications after bilateral diaphragmatic stripping during cytoreductive surgery for advanced ovarian cancer. Materials and Methods: A retrospective observational study was conducted at the Gynecologic Oncology Unit of the National Cancer Institute "G. Pascale", Naples, Italy. We included patients who underwent bilateral diaphragmatic stripping between July 2023 and October 2025. Demographic, surgical, and anesthesiologic parameters were recorded. Univariate logistic regression was performed, and a restricted multivariate model including only variables significant at univariate analysis was used to assess predictors of thoracic complications. Results: Forty-seven patients were analyzed, 10 (21%) of whom developed postoperative thoracic complications. Patients with thoracic complications had a higher body mass index (median 28.4 kg/m², IQR 26.4-29.3 vs. 23.9 kg/m², IQR 22.8-27.3; p = 0.003) and higher ASA scores (p = 0.033). In univariate analysis, ASA (odds ratio [OR] 3.90, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.12-17.94, p = 0.046) and BMI (OR 1.45, 95% CI 1.14-2.02, p = 0.009) were significantly associated with thoracic complications. In multivariate analysis, only BMI remained an independent predictor (OR 1.599, 95% CI 1.13-2.68, p = 0.027). Conclusions: Elevated BMI was independently associated with an increased risk of thoracic complications after bilateral diaphragmatic stripping in cytoreductive surgery for ovarian cancer. Careful perioperative management and preventive strategies should be considered in overweight patients.