Key result
Obesity linked to ~102-fold higher complication odds after emergency laparotomy versus normal BMI.
Why the study?
Obesity significantly impacts emergency laparotomy outcomes by prolonging operative times, worsening comorbidity risks, and increasing respiratory and wound complications, but its specific impact on post-operative outcomes, hospital stay, and operative time needed evaluation.
Does obesity increase post-operative complications, length of hospital stay, and operative time in patients undergoing emergency laparotomy?
Observational (n=72)
No
Does obesity increase post-operative complications, length of hospital stay, and operative time in patients undergoing emergency laparotomy?
Odds Ratio: 102.18 (95% CI 10.89–958.66)
Absolute Event Rate: 91.7% vs 14.6%
p-value: p=<0.001
Obesity is a strong predictor of post-operative complications, prolonged operative time, and extended hospital stay in patients undergoing emergency laparotomy.
May warrant enhanced perioperative monitoring in obese emergency laparotomy patients; leaves open whether targeted interventions improve outcomes.
BACKGROUND AND AIM: Obesity significantly impacts the outcomes of patients undergoing emergency laparotomy. It complicates emergency laparotomy by prolonging operative times, increasing risks due to comorbidities, impairing wound healing, and heightening respiratory complications, leading to higher morbidity, mortality, and healthcare costs. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of obesity on post-operative outcomes in patients undergoing emergency laparotomy at Kempegowda Institute of Medical Sciences (KIMS) Hospital and Research Centre, Bangalore. It focused on the association between body mass index (BMI) and the incidence of post-operative complications, length of hospital stay, and operative time. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 72 emergency laparotomy patients were grouped by BMI, normal vs. obese, as per the World Health Organization (WHO) classification. Comorbidities and surgical procedures were recorded, excluding laparoscopic cases and underweight patients. Post-operative complications were classified (Clavien-Dindo) and a comprehensive complication index assessed morbidity/mortality during hospitalization. RESULTS: The study included patients aged 18-88 years, with 48 having normal BMI and 24 classified as obese. Post-operative complications occurred more frequently in obese patients with comorbidities - diabetes (58.3%), hypertension (50%), CKD (4.2%), and IHD (4.2%) - compared to those with normal BMI (diabetes: 14.6%, hypertension: 20%). Notably, 66.7% of normal BMI patients had no complications. Obese patients had significantly longer operative times (by 44.23 minutes) and hospital stays (by 3.5 days). CONCLUSION: The study demonstrates a significant impact of obesity on post-operative outcomes in patients undergoing emergency laparotomy. Additionally, the data show that a majority of patients with a normal BMI (66.7%), regardless of whether they had comorbid conditions, did not encounter any complications.
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Marahanumaiah et al. (2025) conducted an observational in Emergency laparotomy (n=72). Obesity (BMI ≥30 kg/m²) vs. Normal BMI (18.5-24.99 kg/m²) was evaluated on Post-operative complications (OR 102.18, 95% CI 10.89-958.66, p=<0.001). Obesity significantly increased the risk of post-operative complications in patients undergoing emergency laparotomy compared to normal BMI (OR 102.18).
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