Multimodal Nutritional Management in Primary Lumbar Spine Surgery: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic Surgery
• Surgical Nutrition
• Patient Recovery

Background:

• Perioperative malnutrition is prevalent in primary lumbar spine surgery patients.
• Poor nutritional status can negatively impact surgical recovery outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the clinical efficacy and safety of a novel multimodal nutritional management (MNM) protocol.
• To evaluate MNM's impact on patients undergoing primary lumbar spine surgery.

Main Methods:

• A prospective randomized controlled trial involving 187 patients.
• Patients were randomized into either the MNM group or a control group.
• Key metrics included albumin infusion, postoperative albumin levels, electrolyte balance, transfusion rates, hemoglobin, length of stay, and complications.

Main Results:

• The MNM group showed reduced albumin infusion and higher postoperative albumin levels.
• Lower incidence of hypokalemia, hyponatremia, and hypocalcemia was observed in the MNM group.
• Shorter length of stay and reduced wound drainage were noted in the MNM group, with similar complication rates.

Conclusions:

• The MNM protocol effectively optimizes nutritional status and reduces complications.
• MNM improves key recovery markers, including electrolyte balance and length of stay.
• This protocol offers a safe and effective approach to perioperative nutritional management in lumbar spine surgery.