565 POST-OPERATIVE WEIGHT LOSS AND OUTCOMES FOLLOWING ESOPHAGECTOMY

Abstract   Oesophageal cancer is the 11th most common cancer worldwide, with oesophagectomy remaining the mainstay curative treatment, despite significant associated morbidity and mortality. Postoperative weight loss remains a significant problem and is directly correlated to poor prognosis. Measures such as the Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) programme and intraoperative jejunostomy feed have looked to tackle this. This study investigates the impact of these on mortality, length of hospital stay and postoperative weight loss. Methods Patients undergoing oesophagectomy between January 1st 2012—December 2014 and 28th October 2015–December 31st 2019 in a national tertiary oesophagogastric unit were included retrospectively. Variables measured included comorbidities, operation, histopathology, weights (pre- and post-operatively), length of hospital stay, postoperative complications and mortality. Pre-operative body weight was measured at elective admission, and further weights were identified from a prospectively maintained database, during further clinic appointments. Other data was collected through patient notes. Results 594 patients were included. Mean age at diagnosis was 65.9 years (13–65). Majority of cases were adenocarcinoma (63.3%), with varying stages of disease (TX-4, NX-3). Benign pathology accounted for 8.75% of cases. Mean weight loss post-oesophagectomy exceeded 10% at 6 months (SD 14.49). Majority (60.1%) of patients were discharged with feeding jejunostomy, and 5.22% of these required this feed to be restarted post-discharge. Length of stay was mean 16.5 days (SD 22.3). Complications occurred in 68.9% of patients, of which 13.8% were infection driven. Mortality occurred in 26.6% of patients, with 1.83% during hospital admission. 30-day mortality rate was 1.39%. Conclusion Failure to thrive and prolonged weight-loss following oesophagectomy can contribute to poor recovery, with associated complications and poor outcomes, including increased length of stay and mortality. Further analysis of data to investigate association between weight loss and poor outcomes for oesophagectomy patients will allow for personalised treatment of high-risk patients, in conjunction with members of the multidisciplinary team, including dieticians.