1079 SARC-F Questionnaire: A New Predictive Tool in Emergency Laparotomy Patients

Abstract

Abstract Introduction Sarcopenia is associated with increased morbidity and mortality after emergency laparotomy skeletal muscle mass index (SMI) has been previously used to diagnose sarcopenia preoperatively. SARC-F (Strength, assistance, rising from a chair, climbing stairs, and falls) questionnaire is a new tool used to assess sarcopenia presence. The aim of this study was to evaluate the predictive role of SARC-F questionnaire on postoperative outcomes. Method This prospective observational single center study recorded SARC-F questionnaire scores in patients undergoing emergency laparotomy between September and November 2022. SMI scores were also recorded by dividing CT derived psoas muscle area by patient’s height2. Postoperative mortality rates and severity of complications were graded using Clavien–Dindo classification. SARC-F score and SMI were correlated to postoperative outcomes. Results A total of 20 patients were recruited with a mean age of 60. Indications for emergency laparotomy included: perforated viscus, bowel obstruction, spleen injury and appendicitis. Median SARC-F score was 3 (IQR: 6) and median SMI was 13.7 cm2/m2 (IQR: 5.8). The mortality rate was 20% and 50% of patients had post-operative complications. Results of multivariate regressions show that SARC-F score has a statistically significant positive relation and statistically significant effect on post operative complications (p value = 0.04) and mortality (p value = 0.03), while SMI has no statistically significant effect on post operative complications (p value = 0.08) and mortality (p value = 0.59). Conclusions SARC-F questionnaire may be a more accurate method of assessing sarcopenia in patients undergoing emergency laparotomy and may be a useful prognostic tool.