Early postoperative serum albumin levels as predictors of surgical outcomes in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma.

BACKGROUND

Malnutrition is a common issue in patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma and has a negative effect on surgical outcomes.

OBJECTIVE

We attempted to determine which malnutrition diagnostic variables can be used as predictors of postoperative complications in patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma.

METHODS

Forty-one patients undergoing surgery for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma were submitted to a prospective evaluation. Biochemical data, anthropometric measurements and evaluation of body composition were used in the nutritional analysis.

RESULTS

Twenty-two patients (53.6%) developed complications. Serum albumin measured on the first postoperative day was the only variable that significantly differed between groups. A cut-off value of 2.8 g/dL distinguished between patients with a complicated and uncomplicated postoperative course. Normalization of albumin levels occurred more frequently and more rapidly in the noncomplicated group.

CONCLUSION

Serum albumin measured on the first postoperative day was the only variable that was a predicter of postoperative complications after major head and neck squamous cell carcinoma surgery.