Impact of early postoperative factors on changes in skeletal muscle mass after esophagectomy in older patients with esophageal cancer

Key summary points Aim The aim of this retrospective cohort study was to investigate the impact of early postoperative factors on change in skeletal muscle mass 4 months after curative esophagectomy in older patients with esophageal cancer. Findings The change (per 1%) in quadriceps muscle strength in the first month after surgery (standardized β = 0.190, p = 0.048) impacted the change (per 1%) in skeletal muscle mass 4 months after surgery, which was independent of age, sex, preoperative skeletal muscle mass, comorbidity, pathological stage, and neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Message We believe that our findings will progress the development of novel comprehensive rehabilitation, including exercise and nutrition therapy after the perioperative phase in older patients with esophageal cancer.