Comparative Analysis of Postoperative Outcomes Between Overweight and Obese Patients Undergoing Off-Pump Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting

Abstract

Background: Obesity is a major risk factor in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery. In Bangladesh, overweight and obesity are increasing due to high intake of processed foods and sedentary lifestyles. However, comparative data on postoperative outcomes between overweight and obese patients after off-pump CABG are limited. Objective: The objective of the study was to compare the postoperative outcomes between overweight and obese patients undergoing off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). Materials and Method: Following institutional approval, this cross-sectional study was carried out over one year period in the Department of Cardiac Surgery, Bangladesh Medical University. Fifty overweight (Body Mass Index 25.0–29.9 kg/m², Group A) and 50 obese (BMI ≥30 kg/m², Group B) patients who underwent off-pump CABG, a total of 100 patients were enrolled in the study. Chi-square test was performed for qualitative data, Student’s t-test for quantitative data, and a p-value ≤0.05 was considered significant. SPSS version 27 was used for data analysis. Results: Group B patients were younger (41.74 ± 9.61 vs. 49.94 ± 9.00 years, p<0.001). Gender distribution was not significantly different (male 80% vs. 88%, p=0.275). Postoperative complications were higher in obese patients, including arrhythmia (46% vs. 24%, p=0.021), sternal wound infection (20% vs. 6%, p=0.037), vein harvest site infection (16% vs. 4%, p=0.046), and respiratory tract infection (24% vs. 8%, p=0.029). In group B, postoperative bleeding, mechanical ventilation time, ICU stay, and hospital stay were all significantly higher (p<0.001 for each). Differences in acute kidney injury, neurological complications, and mortality were not statistically significant. Conclusion: Higher rates of postoperative complications, longer recovery times, and greater resource utilization found in obese patients compared to overweight patients after off-pump CABG. These findings underscore the significant impact of obesity on perioperative outcomes in ischemic heart disease.

J Med Coll Women Hosp.2026; 22(2): 177-185