Objective
To evaluate the influence of body mass index (BMI) on postoperative death in patients undergoing surgery for HCC.
Methods
Three hundred forty‐two patients were enrolled, and divided into three groups: Group A, BMI <22.5; Group B, BMI ≥22.5 to <25; Group C, BMI ≥25. Univariate and multivariate analyses of postoperative death were performed to compare BMI with clinical factors. Kaplan–Meier analysis and log rank test were used to compare such outcome in Groups A, B, and C.
Results
Kaplan–Meier analysis and log rank test revealed that Group A had a higher rate of postoperative death than Group B or C (P = 0.010). Univariate and multivariate analyses selected being underweight (Group B, C/Group A) (odds ratio, 1.829; 95% C.I., 1.091–3.068; P = 0.022) as one of the factors predictive of postoperative death, together with aspartate aminotransferase level (P = 0.042) and HCC growth pattern (P = 0.032).
Conclusions
BMI is a simple but important predictor of postoperative death in patients undergoing surgery for HCC, and is able to classify such patients into three independent groups. J. Surg. Oncol. 2011; 104:809–813. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.