Patients living in areas with limited access to healthy foods had higher rates of postoperative complications. A study in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery found that breast reconstruction patients from food deserts areas with poor access to healthy foods face higher risks of postoperative issues. "Access to healthy foods and nutritional status may influence the risk of complications after breast reconstruction," said Kenneth Fan, MD, of MedStar Georgetown University Hospital.
Food Access and Complication Risks
Food deserts are associated with food insecurity and poorer nutrition, which can impact surgical recovery. Among 1,553 mastectomy patients (2014-2018), two-thirds underwent breast reconstruction, and 43.5% lived in low food access (LFA) areas. LFA residents were more likely to be Black and have diabetes or kidney disease. Complications were higher in LFA groups overall (54.5% vs 38.5%) and for major complications (12.3% vs 7.3%).
Nutrition and Recovery
Patients in low-income LFA areas experienced more complications needing repeat surgery. Even after adjusting for factors like age, race, comorbidities, income, and surgery specifics, living in a food desert was an independent risk factor. Food desert status represents an issue beyond income alone.
While the study does not prove causation, it highlights nutrition's importance in recovery and suggests geographic and socioeconomic disparities affect health outcomes. Nutritional screening before surgery may help address risks tied to poor nutrition.