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Sarcopenia: What a Surgeon Should Know

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Abstract

Sarcopenia is an increasingly frequent syndrome characterized by generalized and progressive loss of muscle mass, reduction in muscle strength, and resultant functional impairment. This condition is associated with increased risk of falls and fractures, disability, and increased risk of death. When a sarcopenic patient undergoes major surgery, it has a higher risk of complications and postoperative mortality because of less resistance to surgical stress. It is not easy to recognize a sarcopenic patient preoperatively, but this is essential to evaluate the correct risk to benefit ratio. The role of sarcopenia in surgical patients has been studied for both oncological and non-oncological surgery. For correct surgical planning, data about sarcopenia are essential to design a correct tailored treatment.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. School of Medicine and Surgery, Department of Surgery, San Gerardo Hospital, University of Milano Bicocca, Monza, Italy

    Enrico Pinotti & Mauro Montuori

  2. Department of Surgery, Policlinico San Pietro, Ponte San Pietro, Italy

    Enrico Pinotti, Mauro Montuori, Vincenzo Borrelli & Monica Giuffrè

  3. General and Endoscopic Surgery Unit, San Giovanni Bosco Hospital, Naples, Italy

    Luigi Angrisani

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  1. Enrico Pinotti
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  2. Mauro Montuori
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  5. Luigi Angrisani
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Correspondence to Enrico Pinotti.

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Pinotti, E., Montuori, M., Borrelli, V. et al. Sarcopenia: What a Surgeon Should Know. OBES SURG 30, 2015–2020 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11695-020-04516-1

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