CORRELATION BETWEEN NUTRITIONAL STATUS AND POSTOPERATIVE COMPLICATIONS IN MAJOR SURGICAL AND ORTHOPEDIC PROCEDURES—A CROSS-SECTIONAL OBSERVATIONAL STUDY
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Keywords
Nutritional status, postoperative complications, malnutrition, surgical outcomes, orthopedic surgery
Abstract
Malnutrition remains a significant concern in surgical patients, potentially influencing postoperative outcomes. The interplay between preoperative nutritional status and surgical complications warrants systematic investigation in the Indian healthcare context.
Objectives: To evaluate the correlation between preoperative nutritional status and postoperative complications in patients undergoing major surgical and orthopedic procedures at a tertiary care hospital in Haryana, India.
Methods: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted at Adesh Medical College & Hospital, Mohri, Haryana, from February 2021 to July 2021. Adult patients (n=180) scheduled for major elective surgical and orthopedic procedures were enrolled. Nutritional status was assessed using anthropometric measurements, biochemical parameters, and the Subjective Global Assessment tool. Postoperative complications were recorded during the hospital stay and at 30-day follow-up. Statistical analysis included descriptive statistics, chi-square test, and logistic regression.
Results: Among 180 participants, 38.3% exhibited moderate to severe malnutrition. Malnourished patients demonstrated significantly higher rates of surgical site infections (28.9% vs 9.9%, p<0.001), delayed wound healing (31.9% vs 11.7%, p<0.001), and prolonged hospital stay (mean 12.4±3.6 vs 7.8±2.1 days, p<0.001). Serum albumin levels below 3.5 g/dL were independently associated with increased postoperative complications (OR 3.47, 95% CI 1.89-6.38, p<0.001).
Conclusions: Preoperative malnutrition significantly correlates with adverse postoperative outcomes in major surgical and orthopedic procedures. Routine preoperative nutritional screening and intervention strategies should be integrated into perioperative care protocols to optimize surgical outcomes in Indian healthcare settings.
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Dr. Rohit Chandak
Assistant Professor, Department Of General Surgery, Adesh Medical College & Hospital (Mohri), Haryana, India
Dr. Patel Kalpeshkumar Chandulal
Assistant Professor, Department Of Orthopaedics, Adesh Medical College & Hospital (Mohri), Haryana, India