Usefulness of Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis for Perioperative Fluid Evaluation and Complication Prediction in Oncological Patients Undergoing Colorectal Surgery
Sarcopenia is a complex syndrome characterized by progressive and generalized loss of skeletal muscle mass and strength. In patients with cancer, sarcopenia is associated with poorer prognosis, increased treatment-related toxicity, higher postoperative complication rates, reduced response to therapy, and decreased quality of life. Importantly, sarcopenia may be present even in patients with preserved nutritional status or overweight. Patients with gastrointestinal cancers are at particularly high risk of developing sarcopenia, both as a consequence of the malignant disease itself and as a result of systemic anticancer treatment. Early identification of patients at risk is therefore essential in order to enable timely nutritional and supportive interventions. The aim of this study is to evaluate the proportion of patients with gastrointestinal cancer who screen positive for sarcopenia risk using the SARC-F questionnaire before the start of systemic treatment and during treatment. Patients with a positive screening result will be referred for further clinical nutritional assessment and managed according to a multidisciplinary approach.
• Adult patients (≥18 years of age).
• Histologically confirmed head and neck cancer.
• Indication for induction chemotherapy followed by chemoradiotherapy with cetuximab.
• Adequate organ function as required by the study protocol.
• Ability to provide informed consent.