A new study might help doctors identify risk factors in patients that undergo elective colorectal surgery, hopefully cutting down on mortality and morbidity after surgery. Previously, doctors relied on BMI (body mass index) to help them identify patients that have higher risk of mortality and morbidity.
A new study, published in Annals of Surgery, reveals that waist circumference and waist/hip ratio might be a better factor to help doctors determine risks. This latest revelation came about thanks to advances in the study of cardiovascular and metabolic diseases. To challenge the reliance on BMI as a predictive risk indicator, the study examined a total of 1,349 patients who had operations in 38 centers in 11 countries.
The study found that increasing waist/hip ratio significantly raised the risk of a number of complications. While BMI still could be used to determine risk factors, it was only a reliable predictor for abdominal wall complications, whereas waist/hip ratio and waist circumference helped doctors identify risk factors in other complications. The study concludes that “WHR [waist/hip ratio] is predictive of adverse events after elective colorectal surgery.”
As medicine continues to advance through technology and scientific study, doctors will be able to more accurately predict potential complications of surgery. Our doctors at MSCI are always looking out for new studies like this that help improve our ability to assist patients and improve their quality of life. It’s a commitment we make to our Irving, Texas, community: we don’t just want to better your health; we want to get better at treating you as well.
