Preoperative nutritional supplementation for the orthognathic surgery patient.

Orthognathic surgery patients were studied to determine the nutritional adequacy of a high-calorie liquid supplement. The supplements were given for one month before surgery in an attempt to achieve a 5% weight gain and/or for six weeks after surgery to approximate 50% of the estimated caloric requirements of the patients. It was concluded that preoperative supplementation to achieve weight gain before surgery is of no apparent value. However, balanced nutrient intake can be achieved for patients when supplementation is given postoperatively at a level of 50% of estimated caloric requirements, and can result in improved nitrogen retention and protein sparing.