Preoperative Nutritional Optimization Research Articles

Factors influencing hospital stay duration in an elective cardiac surgery cohort

Abstract Cardiac surgery has become more complex in recent years, with increases in patient age, complexity, and associated costs. The use of a multidisciplinary strategy to analyze and standardize patient management offers significant benefits. The development of Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) programs has proven useful in various types of surgery, recently including cardiac surgery, yielding good results. One of the primary objectives of ERAS programs is the reduction of the Inpatients' length of stay (LOS), with the subsequent improvement in the patient experience and a reduction in costs. The aim of this study is to analyze preoperative and postoperative factors related to the LOS reduction in a cohort of elective cardiac surgery patients included in the Cardiac ERAS program at our hospital. All patients included in the ERAS program, corresponding to elective cardiac surgery, were included in the analysis. 138 patients were divided into four quartiles based on the inpatient’s LOS. An extensive search was conducted in our quality control database, which contains 470 variables on the factors more strongly associated with LOS. The results were analyzed using Chi-Square test for categorical and the Kruskal-Wallis test for continuous variables, generally of non-normal distribution. The results are summarized in the table. Age, poor mobility, surgery other than coronary bypass, and reoperation were the non-modifiable factors most associated with a prolonged LOS. Lower preoperative hemoglobin and albumin levels were associated with an increase in LOS. A class 3 or 4 NYHA functional class, chronic pulmonary disease, and anticoagulation use were associated with higher LOS. Classic cardiovascular risk factors, such as dyslipidemia, hypertension, and tobacco use, were not associated with differences in hospitalization duration. Postoperative and intraoperative factors associated with higher LOS included extubation in the operating room or within six hours, ICU stay duration, mobilization on postoperative days one and two, time to oral food tolerance and gut motility recovery, hyperglycemia on postoperative day one, the duration of arterial, venous, and urinary catheters, the amount of fluids on postoperative day one and the opioid use in POD 2. The complications most associated with a prolonged duration were any infectious complication, any respiratory complication, reoperation, readmission to intensive care, transfusion after 12 hours or at any time during hospitalization, prolonged postoperative sedation, and any rhythmic complication. Conclusion In our cohort of elective patients for cardiac surgery, factors traditionally addressed by ERAS programs were identified as being associated with a longer inpatient’s length of stay. Pre-operative nutritional and anemia optimization, early extubation and mobilization, and the prevention of respiratory and infectious complications should be targeted to improve hospital stay duration.

Comprehensive malnutritional index for predicting clinical outcomes in locally advanced rectal cancer receiving neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy.

The objective of this investigation was to assess the prognostic significance of the comprehensive malnutritional index (CNI) in patients with locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC) who underwent neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (nCRT) followed by surgery. A total of 240 LARC patients were recruited. The CNI was calculated using principal components analysis based on hemoglobin (Hb), total lymphocyte count (TLC), albumin (ALB), body mass index (BMI), and usual body weight percentage (UBW%). The patients were then categorized into two groups based on the median CNI value. Cox regression and survival analyses were performed. The CNI-low (120 cases) and CNI-high (120 cases) groups were classified based on the median CNI value. The results indicated that the CNI demonstrated superior predictive ability for disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) compared to other malnutritional indexes. LARC patients in the CNI-high group had significantly longer DFS and OS compared to those in the CNI-low group. Multivariate analysis revealed that the CNI was an independent prognostic factor for DFS (hazard ratio [HR] = 0.49; 95% confidence interval[CI], 0.29-0.83; P= 0.008) and OS (HR = 0.30; 95% CI, 0.16-0.58; P < 0.001). Additionally, the CNI-high group benefited from postoperative chemotherapy (DFS: P = 0.029, OS: P = 0.024), while the CNI-low group did not show such benefits (DFS: P = 0.448, OS: P = 0.468). These findings suggest that the CNI could serve as a valuable prognostic indicator for LARC patients who undergo nCRT followed by surgery. Preoperative nutrition optimization is important for LARC patients.

Perioperative Management for Microvascular Free Tissue Transfer for Head and Neck Reconstruction – Commentary

Le et al. provided a comprehensive commentary on perioperative management for head and neck oncologic patients undergoing microvascular reconstructive surgery. This commentary is based on a detailed review and consensus statements from the Society for Head and Neck Anesthesia (SHANA), an international organization dedicated to enhancing perioperative care for these patients. The consensus statement, published in 2021 by Healy et al., addressed preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative considerations to optimize clinical outcomes. It included 14 statements from 16 SHANA members across 11 institutions, following two rounds of literature reviews. The commentary emphasized the importance of preoperative nutrition optimization, tobacco cessation, and early recognition of alcohol withdrawal symptoms. In the intraoperative phase, key aspects such as airway management in cases of extensive tumor burden (including awake fiberoptic intubation and tracheostomy), fluid management, hemodynamic monitoring, and multimodal analgesia were briefly discussed. Notably, vasopressors can be used to optimize hemodynamic management without compromising flap perfusion. Additionally, careful fluid resuscitation is crucial to avoid fluid overload, which could increase the risk of flap failure. Multimodal pain management strategies were highlighted, including inhalational anesthetics, anti-inflammatories, narcotics, and regional anesthesia. In the postoperative period, effective communication between healthcare provider teams is essential. Airway management was linked to three of the five consensus statements, underscoring the need for clear and concise communication between the anesthesia and surgical teams. This includes coordinating ventilatory support weaning, extubation planning, and preparation for reintubation if necessary. Such measures help reduce intensive care unit (ICU) utilization, minimize airway-related adverse events, and shorten the length of hospitalization. Overall, the commentary hopes to serve as a guide for multidisciplinary head and neck oncology units across all international centers in managing this complex patient population.

Assessing the Impact of Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy on Anastomotic Integrity after Cytoreductive Surgery in Gastrointestinal Malignancies

Peritoneal carcinomatosis (PC) from gastrointestinal malignancies, particularly colorectal and gastric cancers, represents a significant therapeutic challenge due to the diffuse nature of tumor spread. The combination of cytoreductive surgery (CRS) with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) has emerged as a promising treatment modality, offering potential survival benefits by targeting residual microscopic disease. However, this aggressive approach is associated with a heightened risk of gastrointestinal anastomotic leaks, one of the most severe complications of gastrointestinal surgery. These leaks result from a complex interplay of factors, including hyperthermia-induced ischemia, chemotherapy-induced cytotoxicity, and a pro-inflammatory cytokine cascade involving IL-6, TNF-α, and IL-1β, which impair tissue healing. Furthermore, dysbiosis of the intestinal microbiota induced by HIPEC contributes to local inflammation and an increased risk of infection, exacerbating the likelihood of anastomotic failure. The duration and temperature of the HIPEC procedure, the extent of surgery, and the patient’s performance status and tumor burden further influence the risk of leaks. Preventive strategies such as preoperative nutritional optimization, meticulous surgical technique, intraoperative reinforcement of anastomoses, and selective use of protective ileostomies are critical for minimizing these risks. Early detection and prompt management of leaks are essential for reducing morbidity and mortality, improving both short-term and long-term outcomes. This review comprehensively examines the multifactorial causes of anastomotic leaks in the setting of CRS and HIPEC and highlights potential strategies for prevention and improved management.

Clinical Study of Preoperative Prehabilitation Synchronized Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy for Gastric Cancer Patients

Background. To investigate the effectiveness of prehabilitation in improving physical and nutritional status in patients undergoing gastric cancer resection. Methods. A total of 136 locally advanced gastric cancer patients who planned to undergo neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) plus transabdominal radical surgery were involved. All participants were divided into the prehabilitation group and the control group using the odd-even method, with 68 cases in each group. Intervention consisted of preoperative exercise and nutrition optimization. Participants were adults awaiting elective gastric resection for cancer. The primary outcomes were changes in functional ability and nutritional status, as measured by relative changes in 6 minute walking distance (6MWD) and scores on the albumin and prealbumin. Preoperative (end of the prehabilitation period) and postoperative (from 4 to 6 weeks after surgery) data were compared between the two groups. Results. All 136 patients were randomized in this study. Compared with the control group, the prehabilitation group exhibited improved functional capacity both before surgery (6MWD change) and after surgery. Furthermore, it demonstrated significantly higher levels of albumin and prealbumin before and after surgery than the control group. Conclusion. Prehabilitation in gastric cancer patients can improve preoperative functional capacity and nutritional status. Maintaining a patient’s physical function and nutritional status may have a significant impact on the continuity of cancer care.

32. IMPACT OF SURGERY ON BODY COMPOSITION IN PATIENTS UNDERGOING COLECTOMY FOR COLON CANCER IN AN ERAS PROGRAM

Abstract Introduction The prevalence of sarcopenia in CC patients undergoing colon cancer surgery is high and is associated with increased morbi-mortality. However, there are few studies assessing the impact of surgery on body composition. The main objective of this study was to analyze changes in body composition after colectomy for CC. Methods Observational, retrospective study in which patients operated on for CC by RICA route between December 2019 and June 2022 were collected. Pre- and post-surgical measurement of skeletal muscle index (SMI), Psoas iliacus index (PI), visceral adipose tissue (VAT) and subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) of each patient was performed by computed tomography (CT). In addition, the influence of previous nutritional assessment and postoperative supplementation on body composition variation was analyzed. Results After surgery, SMI, PI, VAT, and SAT significantly decreased in patients. Moreover, the number of patients with sarcopenia increased significantly. Although no statistically significant differences were identified, patients who did not receive preoperative nutritional supplementation exhibited a greater decrease in muscle mass and fat tissue, along with a higher tendency for postoperative complications. Conclusion Surgical intervention presents a negative impact on body composition in patients with CC with a significant decrease in muscle mass and visceral and subcutaneous fat. Preoperative nutritional optimization could buffer this loss with a consequent decrease in associated complications.

P719 Vitamin and micronutrient excess in patients with Crohn’s disease under oral ambulatory exclusive enteral nutrition

Abstract Background Exclusive enteral nutrition (EEN) is recommended for preoperative nutritional optimization (PNO) in adult Crohn's disease (CD) patients. However, during ambulatory oral EEN, a lack of routine monitoring for vitamins may occur, with a potential risk of hypervitaminosis-related toxicity, which remains unexplored. This study aims to assess the serum levels of vitamins and micronutrients in CD patients undergoing EEN and to examine its potential impact. Methods Complicated phenotype CD patients followed at a University Tertiary Hospital who were started on oral EEN June 2021 - June 2023 were prospectively included. EEN composition was determined and modified by an IBD nutritionist according to patients’ nutritional status and needs and laboratory values. Compliance was monitored daily, both for in- and outpatients. Patients’ weight and serum values (albumin, C-reactive protein [CRP], iron, folic acid, and vitamins B1, B6, B12, A, D, E and K) were monitored weekly. Results Nine patients (median age 29 years, 55.6% female) received a median of 24 (IQR 14.5-25.0) days of EEN, for PNO of symptomatic stricturing (7, 77.8%) or abdominal penetrating disease (2, 22.2%). All patients were discharged while on EEN, which was maintained until elective surgery (4, 44.4%) or the planned start of advanced medical therapy (5, 55.6%), with EEN successfully avoiding emergent surgeries. Patients were started on a combination of hypercaloric-hyperproteic and hypercaloric-normoproteic ready-to-drink concentrated polymeric formulas, providing 30 kcal/kg/d and 1.2-1.5g/kg/d of protein. EEN daily volume ranged from 1000 to 1400mL. Compliance was 100%, requiring flavour adjustments for tolerance. Table 1 illustrates changes over time in patients' weight and serum levels of interest. Resolution of anaemia and hypoalbuminemia was achieved, while weight was maintained . Hypervitaminosis cases were remarkably detected: 5 (55.6%) for vitamin B1, 4 (44.4%) for A, 2 (22.2%) for E, and 3 (33.3%) for K, with increasing trends over time. However, no symptoms related to hypervitaminosis were reported. Conclusion Our study on PNO EEN in CD uncovered a gap in routine monitoring for essential vitamins during EEN. While achieving significant clinical improvement, our findings revealed subtle and asymptomatic cases of hypervitaminosis in short-term EEN courses. These results underscore that vitamin monitoring is advisable during EEN, especially in prolonged EEN protocols due to possible hypervitaminosis-related toxicity.

Preoperative Exclusive Enteral Nutrition Is Associated With Reduced Skin and Soft Tissue and Intra-abdominal Infections in Patients With Crohn's Disease Undergoing Intestinal Surgery: Results from a Meta-Analysis.

Malnutrition is an independent risk factor for adverse postoperative outcomes and is common among patients with Crohn's disease (CD). The objective of this meta-analysis was to precisely quantify the association of preoperative exclusive enteral nutrition (EEN) and total parenteral nutrition (TPN) with surgical outcomes in patients undergoing intestinal surgery for CD. PubMed, Embase, and Scopus were queried for comparative studies evaluating the impact of preoperative nutritional support on postoperative outcomes in patients undergoing surgery for CD. Random effects modeling was used to compute pooled estimates of risk difference. Heterogeneity was assessed using I2. Fourteen studies, all nonrandomized cohort studies, met inclusion criteria for studying EEN. After pooling data from 14 studies (874 EEN treated and 1044 control patients), the relative risk of intra-abdominal septic complications was decreased 2.1-fold in patients receiving preoperative EEN (relative risk 0.47, 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.35-0.63, I2 = 0.0%). After pooling data from 9 studies (638 EEN treated and 819 control patients), the risk of skin and soft tissue infection was decreased 1.6-fold (relative risk 0.63; 95% CI, 0.42-0.94, I2 = 42.7%). No significant differences were identified in duration of surgery, length of bowel resected, or operative blood loss. Among the 9 studies investigating TPN, no significant differences were identified in infectious outcomes. Preoperative nutritional optimization with EEN was associated with reduced risk of infectious complications in CD patients undergoing intestinal surgery. Preoperative nutritional support with EEN should be considered for optimizing outcomes in CD patients requiring bowel resection surgery.

Preoperative nutritional optimization for adult spinal deformity:Review.

The main objective of this review article is to examine the role that nutrition has on adult spinal deformity. The information presented in this review aims to provide spine surgeons with a broad overview of screening, assessment, and interventional strategies that may be used for presurgical nutritional optimization. A comprehensive literature review utilizing three biomedical databases was performed to generate articles of interest. Published articles related to nutrition, adult spinal deformity, spine surgery and orthopaedics were reviewed for the composition of this article. Nutrition may play a role in optimizing postoperative outcomes following adult spinal deformity surgeries, such as limiting delirium, length of stay, blood transfusion, and other medical complications. The use of screening tools, such as the PNI and CONUT score can assess preoperative nutritional status and may provide some utility in evaluating nutrition status in patients undergoing deformity surgery. Balancing both macronutrients and micronutrients, notably, carbohydrates, protein, albumin, and vitamin D can play a role in preoperative optimization. Adult spinal deformity patients are at an increased risk for malnutrition. These patients should be assessed for nutrition status to prime them for surgery, minimize complications, and maximize their outcomes. However, further studies are needed to determine how nutrition ultimately affects adult spinal deformity patients in the postoperative period and to establish specific nutritional recommendations for this unique population.

"The Big Three" of geriatrics: A review of perioperative cognitive impairment, frailty and malnutrition.

Cognitive impairment, frailty, and malnutrition are three of the most impactful pathologies facing an aging population, having dramatic effects on morbidity and mortality across nearly all facets of medical care and intervention. By 2050, the World Health Organization estimates that the population of individuals over the age of sixty worldwide will nearly double, and the public health toll of these demographic changes cannot be understated. With these changing demographics comes a need for a sharpened focus on the care and management of this vulnerable population. The average patient presenting for surgery is getting older, and this necessitates that clinicians understand the implications of these pathologies for both their immediate medical care needs and for appropriate procedural selection and prognostication of surgical outcomes. We believe it is incumbent on clinicians to consider the frailty, nutritional status, and cognitive function of each individual patient when offering a surgical intervention, as well as consider interventions that may delay the progression of these pathologies. Unfortunately, despite excellent evidence supporting things like routine pre-operative frailty screening and nutritional optimization, many interventions that would specifically benefit this population still have not been integrated into routine practice. In this review, we will synthesize the existing literature on these topics to provide a pragmatic approach and understanding for anesthesiologists and intensivists faced with this complex population.

Incidence and Risk Factors of Postoperative Complications After Rhinoplasty: A Multi-Institutional ACS-NSQIP Analysis.

Despite the popularity of rhinoplasty, outcome research has been mainly limited to single-surgeon or single-institution reports. Therefore, we performed a multi-institutional analysis to present a broader portrait of the postoperative outcomes and risk factors for adverse events after rhinoplasty surgery. We reviewed the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (ACS-NSQIP) database (2009-2019) to identify patients who underwent rhinoplasty. The postoperative outcomes of interest included 30-day mortality, reoperation, readmission, and surgical and medical complications. We also analyzed risk factors for complication occurrence, including patient comorbidities and preoperative laboratory values. We identified 835 patients, 72% (n=602) of whom underwent a primary, 21% (n=175) a secondary, and 6.7% (n=58) a cleft nasal deformity procedure. The average patient age was 41±17 years, with most patients being female (n=472; 57%) and white (n=643; 77%). Complications rates were generally low, with reoperation (n=19; 2.3%) and superficial incisional infection (n=9; 1.1%) account for the most common general and surgical adverse event, respectively. Multivariable analysis revealed male sex (P=0.04) and higher ASA scores (P<0.0001) as risk factors for complications. Low serum albumin (P=0.04) and hematocrit (P=0.003) levels were associated with the occurrence of any complication, whereas low serum albumin (P=0.02) also correlated with the incidence of surgical adverse events. Complication rates after rhinoplasty were overall low and seemed to correlate with male sex and ASA scores. We identified preoperative albumin and hematocrit as predictive biomarkers of adverse events. Preoperative nutritional optimization and management of low hematocrit may improve postoperative outcomes.

Preoperative nutritional management - compliance with current guidelines.

Major surgery poses a significant stress to the patient. The nutritional status is one of crucial factors that have a substantial impact on the final outcome of the surgery. Preoperatively established malnutrition or an increased nutritional risk in this group of patients requires a maximum effort to minimize this negative impact as soon as the operation is scheduled. The aim of this retrospective study was to assess compliance with guidelines focused on preoperative nutrition management at our site. Our retrospective descriptive observation was focused on the period from January 1, 2017 to June 30, 2020. All patients scheduled for major surgery were screened for nutritional status using a nutritional questionnaire, and an appropriate type of nutritional intervention was indicated based on the achieved score. Two hundred and forty gastrointestinal operations were performed during the study period. In total, 208 (87%) of patients were screened at the time of counselling. Diet adjustments with an increased protein intake were recommended to all 125 (100%) patients with normal nutrition status. In total, 95 patients were at nutritional risk and sipping was prescribed to all of them (100%) in the outpatient setting. All 20 malnourished patients (100%) underwent preoperative nutritional optimization as inpatients. Nutritional status of patients before major surgery is considered a predictive indicator of potential postoperative complications. Compliance with recent ERAS guidelines concerning preoperative screening and nutritional support is high in our department.

Perioperative Nutritional Considerations in Colon and Rectal Surgery.

Malnutrition is common in surgical patients and is associated with substantially increased morbidity and mortality. Dedicated assessment of nutritional status is advised by major nutrition and surgical societies. Assessment may utilize comprehensive and validated nutritional assessment tools or targeted history, physical examination with accompanying serologic markers to identify nutritional risk preoperatively. Emergent surgery in malnourished patients should proceed as the clinical situation dictates with consideration of ostomy or primary anastomosis with proximal fecal diversion to mitigate postoperative infectious complications. Nonemergent surgery should be delayed to facilitate nutritional optimization via oral nutritional supplementation preferably and total parenteral nutrition if necessary for at least 7 to 14 days. Exclusive enteral nutrition may be considered to optimize nutritional status and inflammation in patients with Crohn's disease. Immunonutrition use in the preoperative setting is not supported by evidence. Perioperative and postoperative immunonutrition may be of benefit but requires dedicated study in the contemporary era. Close attention to preoperative nutritional status and optimization represents a critical opportunity to improve outcomes in patients undergoing colorectal surgery.

Pilot randomized, controlled, preoperative intervention for nutrition trial in head and neck cancer.

Several prospective studies report improved outcomes with pretreatment nutrition interventions prior to radiation therapy for head and neck cancer (HNC), but none have assessed similar interventions before surgery for HNC. POINT, a pilot randomized controlled trial, was conducted to evaluate a multimodal nutrition intervention. Patients undergoing primary surgery with free flap reconstruction for HNC were randomly assigned to the control arm or a preoperative multimodal nutrition intervention. POINT included 49 patients. Nutrition risk scores did not change significantly for either the intervention or control group. Control patients had a significant decrease in body weight in the preoperative period (p < 0.001). Conversely, weight among intervention patients did not significantly decrease (p=0.680). The intervention mitigated weight loss in patients with dysphagia (p=0.001). Preoperative nutrition optimization shows potential to reduce weight loss normally experienced by patients with head and neck cancer prior to surgical extirpation, especially among those with subjective dysphagia.

Preoperative Nutritional Optimization and Physical Exercise for Patients Scheduled for Elective Implantation for a Left-Ventricular Assist Device—The PROPER-LVAD Study

Background: Prehabilitation is gaining increasing interest and shows promising effects on short- and long-term outcomes among patients undergoing major surgery. The effect of multimodal, interdisciplinary prehabilitation has not yet been studied in patients with severe heart failure scheduled for the implantation of a left-ventricular assist device (LVAD). Methods: This randomized controlled multi-center study evaluates the effect of preoperative combined optimization of nutritional and functional status. Patients in the intervention group are prescribed daily in-bed cycling and oral nutrition supplements (ONS) from study inclusion until the day before LVAD-implantation. Patients in the control group receive standard of care treatment. The primary outcomes for the pilot study that involves 48 patients are safety (occurrence of adverse events), efficacy (group separation regarding the intake of macronutrients), feasibility of the trial protocol (compliance (percentage of received interventions) and confirmation of recruitment rates. Secondary outcomes include longitudinal measurements of muscle mass, muscle strength, physical function and quality of life, next to traditional clinical outcomes (30-day mortality, hospital and ICU length of stay, duration of mechanical ventilation and number of complications and infections). If the pilot study is successful, a larger confirmatory, international multicenter study is warranted.

Prevalence, diagnosis, and surgical management of complex ileocolic-duodenal fistulas in Crohn's disease.

The aim of the present study was to review the prevalence and surgical management of patients with Crohn's disease (CD) complicated by ileocolic-duodenal fistulas (ICDF). We performed a retrospective chart review of CD patients who underwent surgical takedown and repair of ICDF during January 2011-December 2021 at two inflammatory bowel disease referral centers. We identified 17 patients with ICDF (1.3%) out of 1283 CD patients who underwent abdominal surgery. Median age was 42 (20-71) years, 13 patients were male (76%) and median body mass index was 22.7 (18.4-30.3) kg/m2. Four patients (24%) were diagnosed preoperatively and only 2 (12%) were operated on for ICDF-related symptoms. The most common procedure was ileocolic resection (13 patients, 76%) including 4 repeat ileocolic resections (24%). The duodenal defect was primarily repaired in all patients with no re-fistulization or duodenal stenosis, regardless of the repair technique. A laparoscopic approach was attempted in the majority of patients (14 patients, 82%); however, only 5 (30%) were laparoscopically completed. The overall postoperative complication rate was 65% including major complications in 3 patients (18%) and 2 patients (12%) who required surgical re-intervention for abdominal wall dehiscence and postoperative bleeding. Preoperative nutritional optimization was performed in 9 patients (53%) due to malnutrition. These patients had significantly less intra-operative blood loss (485 vs 183ml, p = 0.05), and a significantly reduced length of stay (18 vs 8days, p = 0.05). ICDF is a rare manifestation of CD which may go unrecognized despite the implementation of a comprehensive preoperative evaluation. Although laparoscopic management of ICDF may be technically feasible, it is associated with a high conversion rate. Preoperative nutritional optimization may be beneficial in improving surgical outcomes in this select group of patients.

Routine Preoperative Nutritional Optimization Not Required in Patients Undergoing Breast Reconstruction

Purpose: There are no data describing the need for preoperative nutritional optimization in patients undergoing breast reconstruction surgery. The purpose of this research was to identify if preoperative breast reconstruction patients are grossly nutritionally deficient as defined by preoperative serum albumin and, thus, if routine preoperative nutrition screening and optimization is necessary in this patient population. Methods: Adult patients who underwent breast reconstruction surgery between 2015 and 2019 were identified within the National Safety and Quality Improvement Program database. Variables of interest for this group of patients were collected, and comparisons were made for these variables between three different breast reconstruction modalities (implant-based reconstruction [IBR], expander-based reconstruction [EBR], and free tissue-based reconstruction [FTBR]) with χ2 and ANOVA statistical tests. Results: A total of 14,509 patients were included. There was not a significant difference in preoperative serum albumin measurements between the three reconstruction modalities and mean measurements for the three reconstruction modalities were all within normal limits. Secondarily, when comparing groups, FTBR had higher incidence of superficial surgical site infection (SSI) (4.49% vs. 1.6% vs. 1.56%, respectively; p < 0.00001), deep SSI (1.57% vs. 0.48% vs. 0.94%, respectively; p < 0.00001), and wound disruption (2.16% vs. 0.78% vs. 0.94%, respectively; p < 0.00001) than IBR and EBR. Conclusion: Preoperative nutritional status was found to be grossly appropriate in a large population of breast reconstruction patients. Furthermore, the ordering of routine preoperative serum albumin is unnecessary and represents an extraneous healthcare cost that does not lead to improved outcomes in breast reconstruction. FTBR incurred the greatest risk of surgical complication independent of preoperative nutritional status.

P147. LOW PREOPERATIVE ALBUMIN LEVELS SIGNIFICANTLY INCREASE ODDS OF PANNICULECTOMY COMPLICATIONS: A NATIONAL SURGICAL QUALITY IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM (ACS-NSQIP) ANALYSIS

PURPOSE: Panniculectomies are medically indicated after massive weight loss, which is often accomplished by gastric bypass. As most cases have an elective component, surgeons have the chance to optimize preoperative variables. We aim to investigate the role of pre-op albumin and BMI level on panniculectomy complications and post-op infections. METHODS: Panniculectomy patients from January 2005-December 2019 were identified via CPT codes 15830 and 15847 from the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (ACS-NSQIP). Multivariate logistic regression was performed on intra/postoperative bleeding and postoperative wound infection (WI) against preoperative serum albumin, diabetes status, age, body mass index (BMI), and smoking status. Odds ratios were adjusted for comorbidities. We established statistical significance at 99%. RESULTS: Out of 3,202 patients, 111 sustained intra/postoperative bleeding and 60 suffered WI. Lower preoperative albumin levels and higher BMI were both significantly associated with increased likelihood of bleeding and WI (p<0.0001). For every 1g/dL decrease in albumin, patients’ odds of bleeding increased 2.21 times, and odds of WI increased 4.52 times (p<0.0001). For every one-unit increase in BMI, patients’ odds of bleeding increased 1.04 times, and odds of WI increased 1.06 times (p<0.0001). BMI and albumin were weakly correlated (-0.32) suggesting each had independent effects on complications. CONCLUSION: In panniculectomy patients, preoperative albumin level is significantly associated with postoperative bleeding and wound complications. These findings suggest the importance of preoperative nutritional optimization, particularly aiming to increase albumin levels, to reduce complications in this population.

Impact of myopenia and myosteatosis in patients undergoing abdominal surgery for chronic pancreatitis

BackgroundSurgery for chronic pancreatitis is associated with major morbidity and mortality. The aim of this study is to examine the role of preoperative muscle volume and quality on postoperative outcomes in patients with chronic pancreatitis. MethodsAll patients who underwent abdominal surgery for chronic pancreatitis between 2011 and 2018 were identified from an institutional surgical database. Patient demographics, clinical indices, and perioperative computed tomography scans were collected. Myopenia and myosteatosis were measured at the L3 vertebral level. Regression analysis was used to identify risk factors for major complications (Clavien-Dindo ≥3a) and length of stay. ResultsSeventy-five patients were identified. Toxic-metabolic or obstructive causes were the main underlying etiologies. Thirty patients were myopenic (40%), and 36 patients were myosteatotic (48%). Sixteen patients (21%) had a major complication. Median length of stay was 10 days. Both myopenia and myosteatosis were associated with major complications (hazard ratio = 7.85, 95% confidence interval: 1.91–32.29, P = .004 and hazard ratio = 4.351, 95% confidence interval: 1.22–15.52, P = .023). Myosteatosis was associated with increased length of stay (parameter estimate = 0.297, 95% confidence interval: 0.012–0.583, P = .041). ConclusionMyopenia and myosteatosis were common and significant risk factors for adverse postoperative events. Preoperative muscle assessment may help in the risk stratification of surgical patients and identify patients that require preoperative nutritional and physical optimization.

Preoperative Nutritional Optimization of the Oncology Patient: A Scoping Review.

Malnutrition is common among patients with cancer and is a known risk factor for poor postoperative outcomes; however, preoperative nutritional optimization guidelines are lacking in this high-risk population. The objective of this study was to review the evidence regarding preoperative nutritional optimization of patients undergoing general surgical operations for the treatment of cancer. A literature search was performed across the Ovid (MEDLINE), Cochrane Library (Wiley), Embase (Elsevier), CINAHL (EBSCOhost), and Web of Science (Clarivate) databases. Eligible studies included randomized clinical trials, observational studies, reviews, and meta-analyses published between 2010 and 2020. Included studies evaluated clinical outcomes after preoperative nutritional interventions among adult patients undergoing surgery for gastrointestinal cancer. Data extraction was performed using a template developed and tested by the study team. A total of 5,505 publications were identified, of which 69 studies were included for data synthesis after screening and full text review. These studies evaluated preoperative nutritional counseling, protein-calorie supplementation, immunonutrition supplementation, and probiotic or symbiotic supplementation. Preoperative nutritional counseling and immunonutrition supplementation should be considered for patients undergoing surgical treatment of gastrointestinal malignancy. For malnourished patients, protein-calorie supplementation should be considered, and for patients undergoing colorectal cancer surgery, probiotics or symbiotic supplementation should be considered.