About Careers Internship MedBlog Contact us
Medindia LOGIN REGISTER
Advertisement

Identification of Malnutrition Before Body Contouring Reduces Complications

by Tanya Thomas on November 16, 2008 at 11:28 AM
Font : A-A+

 Identification of Malnutrition Before Body Contouring Reduces Complications

Surgical complications following body contouring among patients wishing to get back into shape can be avoided if malnutrition is identified in advance, says the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.

The society conveys through an article in its official journal Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery that identifying malnutrition beforehand can also accelerate wound healing, improve scar quality, and boost patient energy levels.

Advertisement

Its report says that optimizing nutrition with the addition of supplements, such as powder drinks and multi-vitamin tablets formulated for massive weight loss patients, is vital to successful body contouring surgery.

"Body contouring procedures for massive weight loss patients are major operations with large incisions in many areas that demand a lot of the body during the healing process," says Dr. Dennis Hurwitz, ASPS Member Surgeon.
Advertisement

"By carefully monitoring nutritional deficiencies preoperatively and supplementing the patient with the necessary nutrients, minerals and vitamins, I have seen a significant decrease in complications and improved postoperative healing. In my practice, I won't do body contouring procedures on this patient population without a preoperative regimen of nutritional supplements," adds the co-author.

The society's report is based on a study performed in two parts.

Firstly, medical literature regarding nutrition's effect on healing from the 1940s to the present was reviewed.

Finally, the authors compared healing and wound problems in 75 of their massive weight loss body contouring patients from 2001 to 2005, who did not receive supplementation, with 37 patients from 2006 to present, who participated in a uniquely designed nutritional supplement program prior to surgery.

The researchers also took into consideration the role of each nutrient in wound healing and immune response.

Complications and wound problems were found to occur in 66 percent of the 75 patients who did not receive supplementation before 2006, they said.

Major complication rates were reduced to 19 percent amongst the 37 patients on the nutritional supplement regimen after 2006, they added.

The team particularly observed that improving nutritional deficiencies in massive weight loss patients improved the healing process, wound tension, scar quality, and patients' energy levels.

They noted that protein, vitamins A, B complex, C, arginine, glutamine, iron, zinc and selenium promote wound healing, collagen production and immune response.

According to them, vitamin B complex has also been associated with reducing the risk of deep vein thrombosis.

Source: ANI
TAN/S
Advertisement

Advertisement
Advertisement

Recommended Readings

Latest Research News

Good Evening Recovery Leads to Better Work Days
A latest research suggests that the quality of a person's post-work recovery in the evening can impact their mood when they resume work the next day.
Link Between Sleep Apnea and Cognitive Decline
Researchers are working on new strategies and solutions for sleep apnea to ward off a range of health risks including cognitive decline.
Softening Stem Cells Enhances Hair Growth Potential
The scientists discovered that when the stem cells in the hair follicle are made softer, they have a higher chance of growing hair.
Potential New Strategy for Ischemic Stroke Discovered
A combinatorial therapy provided promising beneficial results among people with ischemic stroke.
Is Speech Therapy the Answer to Voice Problems in Parkinson's Disease Patients
In Parkinson's disease patients voice disorders are quite common. A new combination therapy had greater effects on the voice.
View All
This site uses cookies to deliver our services.By using our site, you acknowledge that you have read and understand our Cookie Policy, Privacy Policy, and our Terms of Use  Ok, Got it. Close
×

Identification of Malnutrition Before Body Contouring Reduces Complications Personalised Printable Document (PDF)

Please complete this form and we'll send you a personalised information that is requested

You may use this for your own reference or forward it to your friends.

Please use the information prudently. If you are not a medical doctor please remember to consult your healthcare provider as this information is not a substitute for professional advice.

Name *

Email Address *

Country *

Areas of Interests