Role of Preoperative Nutritional Assessment and Optimization in Reducing Postoperative Complications in Major Abdominal Surgeries

Abstract

Background: Malnutrition is a common yet often underrecognized factor
contributing to increased postoperative complications and prolonged hospital stays in
patients undergoing major abdominal surgeries. Preoperative nutritional assessment
and optimization may improve surgical outcomes by reducing morbidity.
Objective: To evaluate the role of preoperative nutritional assessment and
optimization in reducing postoperative complications in patients undergoing major
abdominal surgeries.
Materials and Methods: A prospective observational study was conducted at ABC
Institute involving 100 patients scheduled for major abdominal surgeries over one
year. Nutritional status was assessed preoperatively using the Subjective Global
Assessment (SGA) tool. Patients identified as malnourished or at risk received
nutritional optimization through oral supplementation, enteral, or parenteral nutrition
as appropriate. Postoperative complications and length of hospital stay were recorded
and compared between nutritionally optimized and non-optimized groups.
Results: Patients who underwent nutritional optimization demonstrated a
significantly lower incidence of postoperative complications, including surgical site
infections and pulmonary complications, compared to non-optimized patients (p <
0.05). Additionally, the length of hospital stay was shorter in the optimized group.
These findings align with established literature underscoring the importance of
preoperative nutritional care.
Conclusion: Preoperative nutritional assessment and timely optimization
significantly reduce postoperative complications and improve recovery in major
abdominal surgery patients. Routine implementation of nutritional screening and
intervention is recommended to enhance surgical outcomes.