Impact of Obesity on Perioperative Morbidity and Mortality Following Pancreaticoduodenectomy

Background: Obesity has been implicated as a risk factor for perioperative and postoperative complications. The aim of this study was determine the impact of obesity on morbidity and mortality in patients undergoing pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD). Study Design: Between January 2000 and July 2007, 262 patients underwent PD at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital (TJUH), of whom 240 had complete data, including body mass index (BMI) for analysis. Data on BMI, preoperative parameters, operative details, and postoperative course were collected. Patients were categorized as obese (BMI >30 kg/m2), overweight (25≤BMI<30), or normal weight (BMI<25). Complications were graded according to previous published scales. Other endpoints included length of postoperative hospital stay, blood loss, and operative duration. Analyses were performed using univariate and multivariable