The impact of increased body mass index on the outcomes after valve replacement

Abstract

Background: The association between obesity and the outcomes of surgery is controversial. This study aimed to assess the effect of body mass index (BMI) on early and late morbidity and mortality after valve replacement surgery.
 Methods: The study was conducted on 100 valve replacement patients from 2020 to 2022. The patients were divided according to BMI into two groups: patients with morbid obesity (BMI ≥ 35) (Group A: n = 50) and patients who had BMI< 35 (Group B.; n = 50).
 Results: Hospital (9.43 ± 5.93 vs. 7.25 ± 4.05 days, P= 0.034), ICU length of stay (7.32 ± 5.67 vs. 4.52 ± 3.24 days, P= 0.003), and duration of mechanical ventilation (3.58 ± 2.54 vs. 2.342 ± 2.05 days, P= 0.008) were significantly higher in Group A. There was no significant difference in postoperative mortality between both groups (P= 0.678). There was no significant difference in morbidity and mortality after a 3-month follow-up. Hemoglobin was significantly lower in Group A (P =0.034), with no difference in postoperative laboratory investigations.
 Conclusions: Morbid obesity was not associated with increased mortality after valve replacement surgery; however, it could increase the duration of ventilation, ICU, and hospital stay.