Preoperative Nutrition Support of the Geriatric Surgical Patient

As the global population ages, more older adults undergo surgery, a group particularly vulnerable to postoperative complications. Malnutrition remains prevalent among geriatric patients and is strongly linked to increased morbidity, including infections and poor wound healing. Sarcopenia, the loss of muscle mass and function, frequently coexists with malnutrition, creating a detrimental cycle that worsens surgical outcomes. Early identification is essential, and validated screening tools such as the Mini Nutritional Assessment-Short Form and the Malnutrition Universal Screening Tool help detect patients at risk. Implementing routine preoperative nutritional assessment and targeted intervention can significantly improve recovery and reduce length of stay.