Physical performance has a strong association with poor surgical outcome in older patients with colorectal cancer.

Background: Low lumbar skeletal muscle mass and density have been associated with adverse outcomes in different populations with colorectal cancer (CRC). We aimed to determine whether skeletal muscle mass, density, and physical performance are associated with postoperative complications and overall survival (OS) in older CRC patients.

Methods: We analysed consecutive patients (≥70 years) undergoing elective surgery for non-metastatic CRC (stage I-III).