Global Health & Medicine 2026;8(4):227-232.

Sarcopenia as a Predictor of Postoperative Complications in General Surgery

Dr Israr Ahmed, Dr Kaleem Akhtar ,Allah Rakha, Dr Shakeel Ahmed, Dr. MuhammadAzharQureshi, Dr Talat Shahzad

Abstract:

A significant predictor of poor surgical outcomes is sarcopenia, which is defined by the progressive loss of skeletal muscle mass and function. Sarcopenia patients frequently have low physiological reserves, which increases their risk of postoperative complications, longer hospital stays, and higher mortality.To ascertain whether preoperative sarcopenia and postoperative problems are related in individuals having general surgery.Over the course of six months, a prospective observational study will be carried out in the general surgery department at Mayo Hospital Lahore. Included will be adult patients receiving elective general surgery. Skeletal muscle index assessments from computed CT scans at the third lumbar vertebral level and an evaluation of handgrip strength will be used to determine sarcopenia prior to surgery. The Clavien-Dindo classification will be used to record and grade any postoperative problems that arise within 30 days following surgery.Compared to non-sarcopenic patients, patients with sarcopenia are expected to exhibit a much higher frequency of postoperative complications, longer hospital stays, and increased postoperative morbidity.Early detection of sarcopenia may help with risk assessment and the application of prehabilitation techniques to enhance surgical results in patients undergoing general surgery.

Keywords: morbidity, surgical outcomes, postoperative complications, general surgery, and sarcopenia.

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