Assessment of selected parameters of the nutritional status of patients undergoing surgery for colorectal cancers

Introduction
Colorectal cancer is one of the most common cancers of the gastrointestinal tract. The aetiopathogenesis of this neoplasm includes obesity, a sedentary lifestyle, a diet rich in fat and low in vegetables, smoking, alcohol consumption, and inflammatory bowel diseases. Available research raises concerns of malnutrition, or even cachexia, accompanying cancer or colorectal cancer.

Aim of the research
To evaluate the nutritional status of patients qualified for surgery due to colorectal cancer.

Material and methods
In this study, the authors analysed selected nutritional parameters and the severity of anaemia in 296 patients diagnosed with colorectal cancer. Data were collected upon admission to the 2nd Department of General and Gastrointestinal Surgery in University Clinical Hospital in Bialystok, Poland and, retrospectively, with the help of correctly collected anamnesis.

Results
Based on body mass index (BMI) results, there was no evidence of malnutrition in the study group. Normal BMI values were found in 37% of respondents, while overweight or obesity was found in 63% of patients. Unintentional weight loss was observed in 167 patients and ranged from 2 to 15 kg. Hypoproteinaemia and hypoalbuminaemia were found in 35% of the examined patients. Anaemia occurred in 64% of the examined men and 52% of the examined women. In 70% of respondents abnormal total lymphocyte count (TLC) values were found, which indicated malnutrition. The NRS 2002 scale showed malnutrition in 60% of the respondents.

Conclusions
Malnutrition in patients with colorectal neoplasms seems to be underestimated. When assessing the nutritional status of patients, one should consider several parameters. BMI seems to be the parameter that is the least valuable and at the same time an overused indicator in everyday clinical practice.