Nutritional evaluation prior to oral and maxillofacial surgery

Proper wound healing requires specific nutritional requirements which must be met to allow optimal repair of the tissues. It is important for the surgeon to have an understanding of the presurgical nutritional state of the patient in order to adequately plan for and prevent any complications which might arise due to a poor healing of the tissues. At the time of the initial clinical examination, the surgeon should perform in addition to the necessary and routine tests, a thorough history and physical examination. One should be aware of the previously mentioned signs and symptoms which may indicate the presence of a nutritional deficit. If a nutritional deficit exists, it should be corrected prior to surgery by using a balanced diet with supplements of the deficient nutrient. If one is unable to correct this prior to surgery then the patient should be prescribed postoperative nutritional support to maintain an adequate protein calorie intake to promote complete would healing.