Preoperative Nutrition Support in Elective Surgery.

Malnutrition is a prevalent and modifiable risk factor in surgical patients, strongly associated with increased postoperative complications, mortality, and prolonged hospital stays. The risk is especially high among patients with cancer, chronic diseases, and those undergoing major gastrointestinal or hepatobiliary procedures. Surgery itself exacerbates nutritional deficits through catabolic and inflammatory responses, increasing the risk of sarcopenia. Early identification using validated screening tools (MUST, NRS-2002, SGA, CT-based assessment) is crucial for optimizing care. Preoperative and perioperative nutritional support, particularly when integrated into ERAS protocols, significantly reduces complications, shortens hospital stays, and improves recovery and long-term outcomes across diverse high-risk patient populations.