Malnutrition and Postoperative Outcomes Following Transcervical Zenker Diverticulectomy

Area of Science:

• Otorhinolaryngology
• Surgical Outcomes
• Nutritional Markers

Background:

• Hypoalbuminemia is often used as an indicator of poor nutritional status.
• It has been linked to adverse postoperative outcomes in various surgical procedures.
• The relationship between albumin levels and outcomes after transcervical Zenker diverticulectomy requires investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between serum albumin status and postoperative complications.
• To determine if hypoalbuminemia is a risk factor for adverse outcomes following transcervical Zenker diverticulectomy.

Main Methods:

• A retrospective review of the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database was performed.
• Data from 318 patients who underwent transcervical Zenker diverticulectomy between 2005 and 2018 were analyzed.
• Univariate and multivariable analyses were used to assess the association between albumin status and postoperative complications.

Main Results:

• Univariate analysis indicated associations between hypoalbuminemia and increased age, female gender, sepsis, reintubation, urinary tract infection, overall medical complications, life-threatening complications, and mortality.
• However, multivariable analyses revealed no significant associations between hypoalbuminemia and mortality, any medical complication, any life-threatening complication, or length of stay.

Conclusions:

• This study found no significant association between hypoalbuminemia and postoperative complications after transcervical Zenker diverticulectomy.
• Hypoalbuminemia and malnutrition may not be absolute contraindications for this surgical procedure.