Impact of skeletal muscle mass on postoperative delirium in patients undergoing free flap repair after oral cancer resection

Postoperative delirium (POD) is a major risk factor for an extended hospital stay and higher costs, and is associated with increased mortality. The incidence of POD is high in free flap procedures, and POD may also be a risk factor for flap loss and complications. Sarcopenia is a condition characterized by skeletal muscle mass (SMM) depletion and a decrease in muscle power or physical activity. The aim of this study was to investigate risk factors for postoperative delirium (POD), including SMM, in 122 patients undergoing free flap repair after oral cancer resection. All patients underwent preoperative abdominal-lumbar CT or PET-CT. Cross-sectional areas (cm