Poster Presenter

The Predictive Value Of Hand-Grip Strength In The Mmanagement Of Esophageal Cancer
Chih-Hao Chen,Tzu-Ti Hung, Hung-Chang Liu
Taiwan

Patients with esophageal cancer often suffered from malnutrition, which is also a critical poor prognostic factor after esophagectomy and esophageal reconstruction. Preoperative nutrition evaluation may include serum albumin/prealbumin, weight, limb circumference, etc. Hand-grip strength is a simple measurement and can be used as a reflection of nutrition status and hence potentially may be used as an indicator of nutrition. We, therefore, would like to know if such a simple measurement has any prognostic value in patients with esophageal cancer.

Material and methods: from 2006-2008, consecutive cases of esophageal caner admitted for surgical evaluation are included. Those not operated were excluded. Grip-strength was measured in both hands prior to operation and intervally after operation. The end-points are hospital stay, ICU stay, morbidity and mortality.

Results: 68 cases are included. Grip strength are associated with prolonged hospital stay, more ICU stay and more incidences of mortality and morbidity.

Conclusion: Hand-grip strength is a simple and quick measurements. It may have a role in the preoperative evaluation in patients with esophageal cancer.