Introduction
The issues of malnutrition and the healing process are regarded in lots of journals and scientific literature. Mainly, these are related to the healing of wounds, some hardly treatable diseases, and diseases that require a strict diet. (Ghosh, 2004).
Nourishment is of vital importance in wound healing, as it offers the raw substances necessary for wound healing and the avoidance of infection. Wound healing depends on the sufficient ingestion and assimilation of nutrients such as vitamins, minerals, proteins, and calories. Belated or weakened wound healing happens if dietary supplies are lacking due to ingestion (malnutrition), anomalous absorption, and/or augmented metabolic requirements (draining wounds). (Goldstein & Goldstein, 2002) The malnourished patients are at augmented risk for enhancing difficulties while undergoing treatment (for example, diagnostic studies, surgery, and/or other therapies). Such problems include sepsis, abscesses, respiratory failure, decreased wound healing, and death. (Johnston, 2004).
Thus, the relations between nutritional state and wound healing were studied in 66 adult surgical patients. The wound-healing response was assessed by gauging the collagen happy (hydroxyproline) of fine tubes of Goretex interleave subcutaneously all along with regulated needle track arm wounds. After 7 days, the tubes were eliminated and it was established that there was a superior hydroxyproline substance in the tubing of 36 normally nourished patients than there was in the tubing of 21 patients with mild protein-energy malnutrition (p less than 0.01) and 9 patients with moderate to severe protein-energy malnutrition (p less than 0.01). There was no difference in the wound-healing response between the two latter groups of patients who had essentially dissimilar degrees of undernourishment. The consequences offer that exact irregularity in the wound-healing response subsists in malnourished surgical patients, but it occurs previously in the route of the sickness than formerly supposed. (Lewis & Schwartz, 2003).
Pre-operational nutrition
The nutritional status of the patient previous to and after a surgical procedure is significant for speedy and successful healing. Well-nourished patients rise to and get better from sickness and surgical treatment better than malnourished patients. Malnutrition is related to unfavorable results in surgical patients. Undernourishment can interrupt wound healing and immunocompetence and reduce cardiac and respiratory muscle function. (Nayga, 2002).
Malnourished patients subjected to surgery have superior rates of morbidity and transience as well as longer sanatorium stays contrasted with sufficiently nourished patients. (Little, Perry, Volpe, 2002).
Most patients are not at the optimum nutritional status when they are admitted to a hospital. If surgery is to be performed, the patient’s nutritional status must be improved by an appropriate dietary regimen before surgery. This minimizes surgical risk.
Protein shortage is almost universal among these enduring. Low protein storage will incline the patient to upset, augmented edema, and decreased antibody production. The last factor increases the risk of infection. By giving appropriate diets with carbohydrates, protein, fat, vitamin, and minerals for malnourished patients, nutrient deficiencies can be corrected. (Smith, & Smith, 2003).
Obese patients are at superior health jeopardy in operation than those of standard weight. Excess fat confuses surgical procedures, puts a strain on the heart, and increases the risk of disease and respiratory matters, and delays curing. Dietary solutions before the surgical procedure for sufficiently nourished enduring are also significant. The preoperative diet for these individuals should be rich in carbohydrates, protein, minerals, vitamins, and fluids.
Postoperative nutrition
Postoperative diet therapy aims to replace body losses as soon as possible. Energy, protein, and ascorbic acid are major factors in gaining rapid wound healing. Major surgical procedures will greatly increase energy and protein requirements. Minerals and other vitamins also play a vital role in recovery. Adequate energy and protein intakes are essential to limit net protein and fat losses.
Immunonutrients such as arginine, glutamine, nucleotides, and omega 3 fatty acids reduce complications in surgical patients. Immune enhancing feeds reduce the risk of infectious complications and reduce hospital stay. (Wanjek, 2003).
At the stage of post-operative recovery, physicians, dietitians, and nurses should work closely to give maximum support to patients. The dietitians should prepare appropriate diets and give dietary advice for surgical patients from pre-surgery to post-surgery. A good nutrition plan with intelligent supplementation will help you get back on your feet.
The post-operative diet may be liquid, semisolid, soft diet or of regular consistency, but it must be high in calories, protein, vitamins, minerals, and fluids.
Inadequate nutritional supports increase morbidity and mortality, delays the return of normal body functions, and retard the process of tissue rebuilding. Inadequate nutrition prevents wounds from healing at a normal pace and causes edema and muscular weakness.
References
Ghosh, P. K. (Ed.). (2004). Health, Food, and Nutrition in Third World Development. Westport, CT: Greenwood Press.
Goldstein, M. C., & Goldstein, M. A. (2002). Controversies in Food and Nutrition. Westport, CT: Greenwood Press.
Johnston, R. D. (Ed.). (2004). The Politics of Healing: Histories of Alternative Medicine in Twentieth-Century North America. New York: Routledge.
Lewis, K. A., Schwartz, G. M., & Ianacone, R. N. (2003). Service Coordination between Correctional and Public School Systems for Handicapped Juvenile Offenders. Exceptional Children, 55(1), 66.
Little, J. C., Perry, D. R., & Volpe, S. L. (2002). Effect of Nutrition Supplement Education on Nutrition Supplement Knowledge among High School Students from a Low-Income Community. Journal of Community Health, 27(6), 433.
Nayga, J. (2002). Nutrition Knowledge, Gender and Food Label Use. Journal of Consumer Affairs, 34(1), 97.
Smith, R. M., & Smith, P. A. (2003). An Assessment of the Composition and Nutrient Content of an Australian Aboriginal Hunter-Gatherer Diet. Australian Aboriginal Studies.
Wanjek, C. (2003). Bad Medicine: Misconceptions and Misuses Revealed, from Distance Healing to Vitamin O. New York: Wiley.