Nutritional Considerations Prior to Surgery

Malnutrition in surgical patients typically manifests as decreased nutritional intake, unintentional weight loss, and/or loss of muscle mass and function (or sarcopenia), and results in increased post-operative morbidity and prolonged length of stay. Routine, pre-operative nutrition screening is warranted for all patients undergoing surgery. Nutrition priorities should focus on evaluating the patient for pre-existing malnutrition and nutritional therapy to optimise surgical readiness, minimise starvation, prevent post-operative malnutrition, and support anabolism for recovery.