Impact of obesity on short-term results of laparoscopic rectal cancer resection

Introduction The influence of obesity [body mass index (BMI) ≥ 30 kg/m 2 ] on the outcome of laparoscopic colorectal surgery remains controversial. The complexity of rectal laparoscopic resections requires a specific assessment of the impact of obesity on the feasibility and short-term results of the surgery. Methods Between February 2002 and May 2007, 210 laparoscopic mesorectal excisions were performed. Demographic, oncologic and perioperative data were entered in a prospective database. Twenty-four patients (11.4%) with BMI over 30 kg/m 2 formed the obese group (OG). The outcomes in the OG and the nonobese group (NOG) were compared. Results There were significantly more American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) score 3 patients (26% in OG versus 9% in NOG; p = 0.03) in the obese group. Obese patients experienced longer operative times (513 min in OG vs. 421 min in NOG; p