Aims: C-reactive protein (CRP) is commonly used for monitoring Surgical Stress Response (SSR) and detecting post-operative infectious complications. However, high CRP values can be associated to patient-related factors independently from complications. The aim of this study was to assess the relationship between visceral obesity (VO) and SSR after laparoscopic colorectal resection. Methods: Visceral adipose tissue (VAT) area was measured at CT images for 357 patients who underwent elective laparoscopic colorectal resection at our institution. Post-operative outcomes and CRP values were compared between VO and non-VO groups, defined according to VAT cut-offs. Univariate and multivariate analyses were conducted for factors affecting SSR. ROC curves were constructed to assess the most appropriate CRP values for identifying infectious complications in the VO and non-VO populations. Results: In the final cohort, 62.2% of patients were classified as VO. No differences were seen in post-operative outcomes and infectious complications. VO was associated with higher CRP values on post-operative day (POD)1, POD2, POD3, and POD5, considering both the overall cohort and patients without infectious complications. A positive correlation was found between VAT and CRP values on all PODs, and VO independently predicted increased CRP on POD1-3 in patients without infectious complications but not in those who developed complications. ROC curves analysis for POD3 CRP showed comparable accuracy for detection of infectious complications in both groups, though the optimal cut-off value was higher in VO group (154 vs. 136 mg/dl). Conclusions: Although VO is not associated to increased complications after laparoscopic colorectal resection, it independently predicts increased SSR risk. To achieve accurate identification of infectious complications, different cut-off values of POD3 CRP shall be used in VO and non-VO patients.