Abstract

RUGELES, Saúl Javier. Nutrition and metabolism in surgery Rafael Casas Morales Lecture. rev. colomb. cir. [online]. 2009, vol.24, n.4, pp.223-228. ISSN 2011-7582.

Malnutrition is a common condition in surgical patients, and is associated with high morbidity and mortality rates. Malnutrition is also related to higher cost for the health system and longer hospital stay. The impact of malnutrition and the need for nutritional treatment in surgery has been widely demonstrated. This article describes the effects of malnutrition on surgical disease and the metabolic response to injury, focusing on the relationship between nutritional status and the outcome of surgery. The article also shows the scientific evidence supporting the modern specialized nutritional therapy and its impact on surgical morbidity and mortality A review of the evidence on the relationship between diet and cancer is presented as a reason for surgeons to assume the nutritional and dietary advice of their own patients. Finally, the author remarks the need for nutritional education in schools of medicine and surgical residence programs.

Keywords : surgery; malnutrition; parenteral nutrition; enteral nutrition; metabolism; clinical evolution.

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