Abstract
Introduction: Pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) is a major surgery associated with significant morbidity and mortality, especially in older adult patients. Malnutrition is a common complication in these patients and is linked to poorer outcomes. This study aimed to investigate the associations between preoperative nutritional status using the Geriatric Nutritional Risk Index (GNRI) and postoperative outcomes in older adult patients who underwent PD. Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted on 363 older adult patients who underwent PD. The preoperative GNRI was calculated based on serum albumin levels and body mass index. GNRI ≤ 82, GNRI 83 to ≤98, and GNRI > 98 were classified as severely malnourished, moderately/mildly malnourished, and no malnourishment, respectively. Perioperative data, including demographics, comorbidities, and postoperative complications, were collected. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to assess the associations between the GNRI and outcomes such as length of hospital stay, postoperative complications, and overall survival. Results: Patients with a higher GNRI were more likely to experience Clavien-Dindo grade ≥ 3b postoperative complications (42.1% vs. 22.0% vs. 14.1%; p = 0.027) and pulmonary complications (26.3% vs. 11.9% vs. 4.2%; p = 0.016). These patients also stayed at the hospital for a longer duration (17.0% vs. 16.0% vs. 11.0%; p < 0.001). Multivariate analysis confirmed that the GNRI was an independent predictor of adverse outcomes, even after adjusting for other confounding factors. Conclusions: Our findings highlight the importance of preoperative nutritional assessment in older adult patients undergoing PD. Patients with low GNRI scores are at increased risk of postoperative complications and prolonged recovery. These results underscore the need for targeted nutritional interventions and regular monitoring of these patients. Future studies should focus on interventions to improve nutritional status in older adult patients undergoing PD.