Malnutrition frequency in surgical patients and its effect on morbidity and mortality

Abstract

Aim: To determine the frequency of malnutrition in patients with benign and malignant disease admitted to the general surgery service, evaluate the methods used in recognition of malnutrition and to investigate the role of malnutrition in the development of postoperative complications.Patients and Method: Between February 2004 and May 2005, in 723 patients, who were operated in General Surgery Department, frequency of malnutrition was detected five different methods (Nutrition Risk Index, Subjective Global Assessment, rate of weight loss, serum albumin level, Body Mass Index). Medically treated patients were excluded. Patients were followed for nutritional support, complication and mortality.Results: In 723 patients, total malnutrition rate was detected 30.5% and severe malnutrition rate was 8.9%. Patients with benign diseases, had a malnutrition rate of 25.8% despite patients with malign diseases, had a rate of 53.3%. We got highest frequencies r to determinate total and mild malnutrition with Nutritional Risk Index. For severe malnutrition, there was no differences between the methods. Complication rates were 10.9% for not malnourished patients and 28.6% for malnourished patients. Conclusion: Malnutrition is a common clinical problem in surgical patients that increases complication and mortality risks. Preoperatively detection of malnutrition and giving nutritional support to malnourished patients, may decrease complication rates.

Keywords

• malnutrition
• morbidity
• mortality
• surgery
• malnutrisyon
• cerrahi
• morbidite
• mortalite