Graded and threshold effects of body mass index on perioperative outcomes after pancreaticoduodenectomy: a meta-analysis incorporating an institutional cohort - Summary - MDSpire
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Impact of Body Mass Index on Perioperative Results Following Pancreaticoduodenectomy: A Meta-Analysis with an Institutional Cohort Analysis

  • By

  • Yingyue Pan

  • Yi Chen

  • Yanyu Qiu

  • Ke Zhang

  • Xiaodong He

  • Naishi Li

  • Xianlin Han

  • August 21, 2026

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Objective:

To determine how varying BMI categories affect operative complexity, postoperative morbidity, and mortality following pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD).

Approach:
  • Study Design: Systematic review and meta-analysis of 25 studies, including one institutional cohort, focusing on BMI-related perioperative and survival outcomes.
  • Outcomes Examined: Operative duration, blood loss estimates, postoperative complications, clinically relevant pancreatic fistula, reoperation, perioperative mortality, and overall survival.
Key Findings:
  • BMI ≥25 kg/m2 associated with longer operative duration, increased blood loss, and higher risks of postoperative complications.
  • BMI ≥30 kg/m2 linked to greater perioperative mortality risk.
  • Operative complexity increased progressively with higher BMI, while perioperative mortality showed a threshold pattern starting from BMI ≥30 kg/m2.
  • No significant association found between BMI and long-term overall survival.
Interpretation:

Overweight (BMI ≥25 kg/m2) is linked to greater operative complexity and moderate morbidity, while obesity (BMI ≥30 kg/m2) is associated with increased perioperative mortality.

Limitations:
  • Variability in BMI categorization across studies.
  • Differences in patient populations, operative techniques, and outcome definitions complicate comparisons.
Conclusion:

The findings indicate the need for further investigation into BMI's role in perioperative management for patients undergoing PD.

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