Does the preoperative prognostic nutritional index predict postoperative complications in patients with colorectal cancer who underwent curative resection?

AIM: Malnutrition is a common and very important issue in colorectal cancer patients.The immunological and nutritional status of these patients have been reported to be correlated with the postoperative complications.The prognostic nutritional index (PNI) is an effective and simple parameter, initially created to evaluate preoperative surgical risks. The aim of this study was to evaluate the predictive value of PNI in patients with colorectal cancer who underwent surgery.

METHODS: One hundred eighty patients who underwent curative colorectal resections for colorectal cancer were included in this retrospective study. Demographic characteristics of the patients, biochemical parameters, intra-operative findings, operation type, postoperative surgical complications, and PNI values were collected Results:The median PNI value was 44,4(range 19-60,5).Receiver Operating Characteristics demonstrated that a value below 39,75 was the optimal cut-off value for the prediction of major complications. The median PNI values were significantly lower in patients with major complications (Clavien-Dindo grade 3 to 5).

CONCLUSION: The PNI can predict severe complications in patients with colorectal cancer who are undergoing primary tumor resection. Investigation of the nutritional status by using the PNI could be a useful approach for clinical follow-up.

KEY WORDS: Colorectal, Nutritional index, Postoperative complications.