Altered Preoperative Nutritional Status in Colorectal Cancer: A Not So Infrequent Issue

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Nutritional Science
• Gastroenterology

Background:

• Malnutrition and weight loss are common in cancer patients, significantly affecting prognosis.
• Colorectal cancer (CRC) exhibits malnutrition rates between 30% and 60%.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the preoperative nutritional status of patients diagnosed with colorectal neoplasia scheduled for surgery.
• To identify nutritional risks and associated factors in this patient cohort.

Main Methods:

• A prospective observational study was conducted.
• Nutritional risk was assessed using the Malnutrition Universal Screening Tool (MUST).
• Patient demographics, weight changes, and biochemical markers (albumin, prealbumin, total protein) were analyzed.

Main Results:

• 59% of 234 patients were at nutritional risk (MUST score ≥ 1).
• Overweight (51%) and obesity (23%) were common, alongside significant weight loss in 43% of patients.
• Symptomatic patients exhibited greater weight loss and more frequent analytical alterations (hypoalbuminemia, prealbumin deficiency, hypoproteinemia) compared to asymptomatic patients.

Conclusions:

• A high prevalence of nutritional risk and obesity exists in patients with colorectal neoplasia awaiting surgery.
• Symptomatic presentation is associated with poorer nutritional status and biochemical markers.
• Preoperative nutritional assessment and intervention are essential for optimizing surgical outcomes in CRC patients.