Impact of Obesity on Postoperative Recovery: An Epidemiological Study of Nutritional Practices and Surgical Complications

Mohamed Abd Ennore Djemmel; Abdallah Rahali; Khadidja Dehimi; Zouheyr Hadri; Badreddine Moussaoui

doi:10.54133/ajms.v11i1.2971

Authors

Mohamed Abd Ennore Djemmel Department of Microbiology and Biochemistry, Faculty of Sciences, University of Mohamed Boudiaf, M’sila, Algeria https://orcid.org/0009-0003-4495-1772
Abdallah Rahali Department of Microbiology and Biochemistry, Faculty of Sciences, University of Mohamed Boudiaf, M’sila, Algeria https://orcid.org/0009-0009-8398-0158
Khadidja Dehimi Department of Microbiology and Biochemistry, Faculty of Sciences, University of Mohamed Boudiaf, M’sila, Algeria https://orcid.org/0009-0000-6786-7758
Zouheyr Hadri Department of Nutritional Sciences, Faculty of Natural and Life Sciences, University of Relizane, Relizane, Algeria; Laboratory of Environment, Natural Plant Substances and Food Technology, Faculty of Natural and Life Sciences, University of Relizane, Bourmadia BP 48000, Relizane, Algeria
Badreddine Moussaoui Laboratory of Beneficial Microorganisms, Functional Food and Health (LMBAFS), Faculty of Natural Sciences and Life, University of Abdelhamid Ibn Badis, Mostaganem, Algeria

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.54133/ajms.v11i1.2971

Keywords:

Length of hospital stay, Nutritional management, Obesity, Postoperative complications

Abstract

Background: Obesity is a major risk factor for postoperative complications and prolonged hospital stays, yet preoperative nutritional management remains insufficiently integrated, particularly in resource-limited settings. Objectives: To evaluate the impact of obesity on postoperative complications and to analyze nutritional management practices in hospitals. Methods: An ambispective analytical observational study was conducted in two public hospitals in Setif, Algeria. It included 2205 surgical patients in 2024 (retrospective phase) and 234 patients between August and November 2025 (prospective phase) to complement missing data on nutritional management; 62 healthcare professionals were also surveyed. Data were collected from medical records and structured questionnaires, including sociodemographic characteristics, body mass index (BMI), postoperative complications, length of hospital stay, and nutritional practices. Results: Obesity prevalence was 54.1%. Postoperative complications occurred in 33.97% of obese patients versus 23.79% of non-obese patients (RR=1.43; 95% CI: 1.25–1.64; OR=1.65; 95% CI: 1.37–1.99). Obese patients had a longer mean hospital stay (7.99±3.75 days) compared to non-obese patients (7.14±3.36 days). Only 1% of patients received preoperative nutritional support, 98% of surgical departments lacked dietitians, and 98% of healthcare professionals had no training in clinical nutrition, while all expressed a need for further training. Conclusions: Obesity is significantly associated with increased postoperative complications and prolonged hospitalization. These findings emphasize the need to integrate nutritional assessment into routine care, strengthen professional training, and recruit dietitians to improve surgical outcomes and quality of care.

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References

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