Clinical Nutrition Management for 50-Year-Old Female Undernourished with Giant Neurofibroma Right Lower Limb: A Biomedical and Psychosocial Multidisciplinary Approach
Emna HAMZA, Zied HAMZA, Ilhem BEN SALAH, Mouna MNIF, Mouna ELLEUCH, Sameh MSAED, Rim KHEMAKHEM, Rahma GARGOURI, Nabila REKIK and Samy KAMMOUN
Neurofibromatosis (NF) is genetically inherited autosomal dominant disorder with incidence of 1 in 3,000 live births. Two types are recognized: NF1 and NF2, with NF1 being the most common. Solitary giant neurofibromas are rare and present significant surgical challenges due to extensive infiltration and high vascularization, often resembling normal tissue. These complexities are further compounded when patients present with nutritional risk, requiring holistic management.A 50-year-old female patient diagnosed with NF1 and giant neurofibroma of the right lower posterior leg underwent total excision biopsy. Prior to surgery, comprehensive laboratory and imaging studies were conducted. Nutritional screening and assessment guided creation of tailored nutrition care plan, including daily food intake monitoring, oral nutrition supplements, multivitamins, and trace elements. Family members were actively engaged in preparing the patient physically and emotionally, ensuring adherence to the care plan and strengthening psychosocial resilience.This case is distinctive for its integration of biomedical management with nutrition‑focused interventions and family‑centered psychosocial support. While surgical excision of giant neurofibromas has been documented, the deliberate prioritization of correcting undernutrition and mobilizing family involvement as active partners represents a novel multidisciplinary approach. It highlights equity in care by addressing both biological and psychosocial determinants of health.The case underscores nutrition as cornerstone of surgical readiness and emphasizes the role of family engagement in enhancing resilience. Future directions include advocating structured nutrition protocols in surgical pathways, strengthening community‑based nutrition education, and embedding psychosocial support into perioperative care. These strategies align with 30th WONCA’s theme liberty, equity, and fraternity.The successful outcome of this case illustrates how liberty in health achieved when patients are empowered through adequate nutrition, equity is advanced when multidisciplinary care addresses vulnerabilities, and fraternity is embodied when families and healthcare providers collaborate. It demonstrates that surgical success is not solely technical but deeply dependent on holistic preparation.This case exemplifies how biomedical, nutritional, and psychosocial integration can transform outcomes in rare NF1 presentations. It advocates for liberty through patient empowerment, equity through comprehensive care, and fraternity through family and community solidarity, principles that resonate with 30th WONCA Eurooe Conference theme and global primary care values.
