Sarcopenia and Neuromuscular Block in Gastrointestinal Cancer Surgery

Launched by DR ABDURRAHMAN YURTASLAN ANKARA ONCOLOGY TRAINING AND RESEARCH HOSPITAL · May 26, 2025

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying how a condition called sarcopenia, which is the loss of muscle mass and strength, affects the use of muscle relaxants during surgery for gastrointestinal cancer. The researchers want to see if patients with sarcopenia respond differently to these medications compared to those without it. To do this, they will take a special scan of the abdomen before surgery to determine who has sarcopenia. The trial will help improve anesthesia care for patients by ensuring that their individual needs are met during surgery.

To be eligible for this study, participants must be between 18 and 75 years old, have a diagnosis of gastrointestinal cancer, and be scheduled for elective surgery. They should also have had a specific imaging test called a CT scan before their surgery. However, individuals with certain conditions, such as neuromuscular diseases or severe organ failure, will not be able to take part in the trial. If you join the study, you can expect to have your muscle response to anesthesia carefully monitored during your surgery, which may help improve safety and outcomes for future patients.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Patients aged between 18 and 75 years Patients diagnosed with gastrointestinal system (GIS) cancer and scheduled for elective surgery Patients who have undergone preoperative abdominal computed tomography (CT) imaging Patients classified as American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) physical status I-III
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Patients with a history of neuromuscular diseases Patients receiving chronic steroid or immunosuppressive therapy Patients with electrolyte imbalance Patients using medications that affect neuromuscular transmission Patients with severe organ failure in the preoperative period (e.g., liver or renal failure) Patients who refuse to participate in the study Patients requiring emergency surgery Patients using muscle relaxants in the preoperative period