1321 Impact of Obesity on Perioperative and Postoperative Outcomes in Peripheral Nerve Surgery

INTRODUCTION: Peripheral nerve surgery outcomes can be significantly influenced by patient factors such as body mass index (BMI). Obesity affects wound healing and increases complications, and postoperative medication needs. Understanding its impact is essential for optimizing surgical outcomes. METHODS: This is a retrospective cohort study analyzing peripheral nerve surgeries performed by a single surgeon at Houston Methodist Hospital between 2021 and 2024. We included all patients who underwent surgical interventions for peripheral nerve pathologies. RESULTS: Our study included 60 patients (20 females and 40 males) with ages ranging from 19 to 85 years (mean age: 58.25 years). Patients were divided into two groups: those with a BMI < 30 (n = 38) and those with a BMI = 30 (n = 22). The hospital length of stay was equivalent in both groups, with a mean of 1 day. Patients with a BMI < 30 had an average intraoperative blood loss of 9.62 cc, compared to 23 cc in patients with a BMI = 30. The duration of follow-up was similar, ranging from 15 to 17 days for both cohorts. Postoperative steroid use was higher in the BMI = 30 group (77.3%) compared to the BMI < 30 group (52.6%). Opioid use was 100% in patients with a BMI = 30 and 94.7% in those with a BMI < 30. CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, obesity significantly impacts perioperative and postoperative outcomes in peripheral nerve surgery. Patients with a BMI = 30 had higher intraoperative blood loss and greater use of postoperative steroids compared to non-obese patients. Although hospital stay and follow-up duration were similar, obese patients had higher opioid use, indicating increased postoperative pain. These findings emphasize the need for tailored perioperative management for obese patients.