Posted on 10/21/2024 7:46:58 PM PDT by ConservativeMind
People who have multiple orthopedic surgeries during the same hospital stay are more likely to suffer malnutrition due to repeated or prolonged fasting, which can slow recovery and increase the risk of death, according to a study of more than 28 million patients.
Because food or liquid retained in the stomach increases the risk of regurgitation and aspiration in the airway and lungs during general anesthesia and deep sedation, most patients are directed to fast for at least eight hours before surgery.
"Our research determined that repeated fasting in hospitalized patients having multiple orthopedic surgeries over days or weeks increases the risk for protein-calorie malnutrition, leading to longer hospital stays, slower recovery and higher health care costs," said Ivie Izekor.
Researchers analyzed the National Inpatient Sample database between 2016 and 2019. They identified 28,475,485 patients who had orthopedic surgery of any type in the hospital, 1,853,360 (6.5%) of whom were diagnosed with malnutrition after admission.
Patients were grouped based on the number of surgeries they had, all of which were performed during a single hospitalization. Patients who were diagnosed with malnutrition had an average of 2.31 surgeries, while those who were not malnourished had an average of 1.57 surgeries.
Researchers found malnourished patients:
—were at least 15% more likely to die (and the risk increased with more surgeries),
—had higher hospital costs (an average of $98,000 vs. $48,000) and
—had longer hospital stays (an average of 9.07 days vs. 4.34 days).
The cause of death in malnourished patients typically was related to infection, complications from poor wound healing or general frailty exacerbated by malnutrition. Researchers chose orthopedic surgeries because they do not directly involve the gastrointestinal system, which could complicate the findings.
To prevent malnutrition, researchers suggest that patients undergoing multiple surgeries receive personalized nutritional support during their hospital stay.
(Excerpt) Read more at medicalxpress.com ...
“I have to say I hadn’t considered this as a threat to patients”
Makes me wonder too, considering that the only thing worse than fasting in a hospital setting is eating what the ‘nutritionists’ tell you to eat.
“Most doctors recommend eating whatever you can tolerate, unless you are already on a restricted diet.”
It depends on the definition of what it means to ‘tolerate’. For example, I can ‘tolerate’ radioactive isotopes for a relatively small amount of time and be fine. But extend that time to days, weeks, or months, and I’m (literally) toast. Likewise, I can ‘tolerate’ carbs for a certain amount of time, but extend that to weeks or months and I’ll have Metabolic Syndrome, extend it years, and it will be Diabetes.
I think it’s better to eat what one can tolerate indefinitely without adverse effects, or, if stuck with crappy foods, consider simply not eating them if no alternative (and of course, if you’re not starving yourself).
Wonder how many were elders? Over 65?
I guess Jesus had it wrong.
>> Most doctors reccommend eating whatever you can tolerate, unless you are already on a restricted diet.
Yes. I have heard it put this way: “Food as medicine”.
>> I guess Jesus had it wrong.
It’s not clear WHY these patients are fasting. As a part of prayer? Because eating makes them nauseous? Because they have lost their appetite?
But if one is fasting as part of a prayerful attitude, I’d think that to be beneficial for healing.
I’m in my 70’s. I’ve fasted 110 days so far this year. My doctor says I’m in good health.
I’m not a diabetic, but I eat a diabetic diet. Why? It works for me, it weighs in on the side of healthy eating. It’s great! Complex carbs, no sugar, no simple carbs. 2 meals a day, no snacking, and a 17hr fast between and 1900 and 1300 the next day.
The patients fast prior to surgery to reduce the risk that they will vomit a little during surgery and then inhale the vomit into their lungs. Anesthesia suppresses the gag reflex that normally protects people.
>> The patients fast prior to surgery to reduce the risk that they will vomit a little during surgery and then inhale the vomit into their lungs.
Thank you for clarifying that.
“It’s not clear WHY these patients are fasting.”
You can’t eat or drink 8-12 hours prior to surgery so there’s nothing in your stomach to aspirate when you’re “under”.
My mother had a hip replacement surgery and she didn’t want to eat at all due to the constipation associated with prescribed pain medication such as Hydrocodone and Tramadol. Plus, she didn’t like the idea of having to get in and out of the bathroom post-op. Her subsequent blood work showed a lack of protein but she was past that within a few weeks after going home from the hospital.
Agree. And even medically the 8 hour fast before anesthesia is not a malnutrition threat to anybody.
just medical studies are everywhere now. Covid should have taught everyone how smart they are.
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