To investigate the perioperative weight loss and its influencing factors in patients with colorectal cancer, and to provide evidence for the development and management of perioperative nutritional support strategies.

Ninety-one patients with colorectal cancer were enrolled and divided into observation group (n=61) with the degree of weight loss less than 5% of preoperative weight and control group (n=30) with the degree of weight loss more than 5% of preoperative weight. Change of body composition and factors of weight loss in patients with colorectal cancer were compared between the two groups by single factor and multivariate analysis.

Ninety-one patients with colorectal cancer had the average weight loss of 2.0 kg. Of perioperative changes in body composition, the degree of body fat, muscle mass and protein group decreased statistically (P<0.05). Univariate analysis showed that the age, intraoperative blood loss and postoperative oral nutrition intake compliance were the risk factors for the degree of weight loss in patients with colorectal cancer after the operation. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that the intraoperative blood loss was an independent influencing factor for the degree of postoperative weight loss in patients with colorectal cancer (P<0.05).

Age, intraoperative blood loss and postoperative oral nutritional intake compliance may affect the degree of weight loss during perioperative period. Intraoperative blood loss is an independent risk factor affecting the degree of weight loss during perioperative period. In future clinical research and practice, minimally invasive and accurate surgical treatment should be strengthened, the amount of intraoperative blood loss and surgical trauma should be reduced, and the postoperative oral nutrition intake of patients should be paid attention, especially for elderly patients. Personalized dietary guidance and management for different groups should be conducted, and perioperative nutritional status of patients should be improved.

Colorectal cancer; Weight loss; Body composition; Enhanced recovery after surgery