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.