Fréquence et déterminants de la dénutrition post-opératoire en chirurgie viscérale au Centre National Hospitalier et Universitaire Koutoucou Hubert Maga, Cotonou: Frequency and determinants of post-operative undernutrition in patients undergoing visceral surgery at the University Hospital Centre Koutoucou Hubert Maga, Cotonou

This study aims to determine the frequency and identify the factors associated with undernutrition among patients undergoing visceral surgery in 2014. We conducted a cross-sectional, descriptive and analytical study over the period September 11, 2014-December 11, 2014. The study population comprised patients who had undergone visceral surgery at the National University Hospital Centre Koutoucou Hubert MAGA, Cotonou. Undernutrition is defined as a body mass index less than 18.5 kg/m(2). A total of 90 patients were included in the study, 57,78% (52 patients) were male. The average age of patients was 55±6,32 years. Undernutrition was found in 42 patients (46.67%). The factors associated with undernutrition in postoperative patients were: age greater than or equal to 50 years, low level of protein, water and energy intake, diarrhea, cancer, digestive system surgery, emergency surgery, significant weight loss and hyperleukocytosis. Undernutrition is common in postoperative patients. Hence the importance of nutritional screening and of early treatment.