To study the incidence of nutritional status with two parameters: Serum albumin and BMI in elective major general surgeries

Abstract

Background: Nutritional assessment is essential for identifying patients who are at risk of developing complications related to significant malnutrition. The main objective was to study the incidence of nutritional status with two parameters- serum albumin and body mass index in elective major general surgeries.Method: Study area was Department of General Surgery, Calcutta National Medical College and Hospital; Kolkata. The study was carried out for a period of one year between Mar 2013 – Feb 2014. Sample size was 50 patients. Permission from Institutional Ethics Committee was obtained.Result: Out of 50 patients studied, 54% were males and 46% were females. The number of patients in the 31 -40 years age group was the highest (34%). The rate of complication was more when serum albumin level was less than 3.0 gm. /dl which is statistically significant.Conclusion: Serum albumin is a good indicator of postoperative complications. The patients with serum albumin < 3.0 g/dl had a higher complications rate which was statistically significant (p< 0.05).