Abstract
Sarcopenia, defined as the loss of skeletal muscle mass (SMM) and function, is increasingly recognized as a critical
factor influencing patient outcomes in oncological surgery. In colorectal cancer patients, sarcopenia has been
associated with increased postoperative complications, prolonged hospital stays, and decreased overall survival.
The impact of sarcopenia extends beyond immediate postoperative outcomes, potentially affecting long term
oncological outcomes.
Concurrent with the growing interest in sarcopenia, there has been a paradigm shift in perioperative care with
the introduction of Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) protocols. These evidence-based, multimodal care
pathways aim to reduce surgical stress, maintain postoperative physiological function, and accelerate recovery.
ERAS protocols have been shown to reduce postoperative complication, shorten hospital stays, and improve
patient outcomes in colorectal surgery. However, the interaction between sarcopenia and ERAS protocol
compliance, particularly in terms of long-term outcomes, has not been extensively studied.
In this symposium, I will talk about the relationship between sarcopenia, ERAS compliance, and surgical
outcomes.
