Influence of Internal Iliac Artery Embolization during Endovascular Aortic Repair Regarding Postoperative Sarcopenia and Midterm Survival.

BACKGROUND: Postoperative sarcopenia is a risk factor for postoperative mortality. Internal iliac artery embolization (IIAE) during endovascular aortic repair (EVAR) has ischemic effects on pelvic skeletal muscles because IIAE causes buttock claudication. The long-term effects of IIAE on pelvic skeletal muscle, however, have not been well investigated. We hypothesized that IIAE after EVAR induces a decrease in skeletal muscle, which leads to postoperative sarcopenia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients with abdominal aortic aneurysms who underwent EVAR from 2009 to 2014 were retrospectively reviewed. Skeletal muscle areas (SMAs) at the third lumbar level and the mid-femoral level were measured on transverse computed tomographic images. Postoperative sarcopenia was defined as a >10% decrease in the L3 SMA as established in a previous study. We assessed the association between postoperative sarcopenia and IIAE. RESULTS: Altogether, 102 eligible patients who underwent elective EVAR comprised the study group. The L3 SMA at the 3-year follow-up evaluation was significantly smaller in patients with than without IIAE (P < 0.05). The SMAs of the psoas, lumbar, and thigh muscles were significantly smaller on the IIAE than non-IIAE side (P < 0.05). IIAE was thus revealed as an independent risk factor for postoperative sarcopenia (hazard ratio, 4.69; P = 0.008). In addition, patients who developed postoperative sarcopenia had a lower overall survival rate than those without postoperative sarcopenia (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: IIAE during EVAR is a risk factor for postoperative sarcopenia, which is in turn associated with mortality. Hence, we should preserve the internal iliac artery whenever possible. Alternatively, if IIAE is deemed necessary, we should postoperatively institute protocols to prevent sarcopenia from developing.