Risk factors of postoperative complications after curative surgery in gastric cancer

Importance of factors increasing the risk of complications after total or subtotal gastric resection in 253 patients with gastric cancer. Detailed evaluation covered 132 patients in whom radical operations were performed. Analysed factors were: age, gender, nutritional status, stage, pathology, operating time, type of surgery, stapler use, nutritional support. Relations between each factor and general or surgical complication incidence were analysed. Postoperative complications occurred in 63 patients (47,7%) surgical complications in 33 (25%) and general complications in 51 (38,6%). Both types occurred in 21 patients (15,9%). Regional lymph node involvement (N-1/N-2), subcardial tumour location, high BMI, age, range and duration of surgical procedure significantly influenced general and surgical complication number. Comprehensive management is necessary to minimise complications after surgery for gastric cancer.