Application of oral nutrition supplement in enhanced recovery of patients with liver cancer undergoing hepatectomy

Abstract

Objective \nTo explore the application value of oral nutrition supplement (ONS) in the enhanced recovery of patients with primary liver cancer (PLC) after hepatectomy. \n \n \nMethods \nA total of 70 patients with PLC undergoing hepatectomy in the First Affiliated Hospital of University of Science and Technology of China from November 2016 to February 2018 were enrolled in this prospective study. Among them, 52 patients were male and 18 female, aged 28-76 years with a median age of 59 years. The informed consents of all patients were obtained and the local ethical committee approval was received. Patients were divided into the ONS (n=35) and control groups (n=35) according to the random number table method. In the control group, routine dietary instruction and intravenous nutrition were given, whereas ONS was added in the ONS group. The changes of body weight, grip strength, nutrition index, total amount of infused human albumin, duration of hypoproteinemia, and postoperative condition were statistically compared between two groups. \n \n \nResults \nThe postoperative scores of Nutrition Risk Screening Scale 2002 were above 3 in two groups, indicating that 100% of the patients had nutrition risk. In the ONS group, the body weight of patients was reduced by 1.0(0-6.0) kg at postoperative 7 d, significantly lower compared with 2.5(0-7.0) kg in the control group (Z=-2.607, P<0.05). The grip strength at postoperative 7 d in the nutrition group was (33±3) kg, significantly larger than (30±4) kg in the control group (t=3.210, P<0.05). In the ONS group, the serum levels of prealbumin and albumin were (139±40) mg/L and (39±5) g/L, significantly higher than (120±41) mg/L and (37±3) g/L in the control group (t=2.012, 2.254; P<0.05). The postoperative length of hospital stay and defecation time in the ONS group were (8.1±2.6) d and (67±28) h, significantly shorter than (10.1±5.4) d and (87±37) h in the control group (t=-2.010, -2.550; P<0.05). \n \n \nConclusions \nONS can improve the postoperative nutritional status, promote the recovery of intestinal function, shorten the length of hospital stay and accelerate postoperative recovery of PLC patients. \n \n \nKey words: \nLiver neoplasms;\xa0Hepatectomy;\xa0Oral nutritional supplements;\xa0Enhanced recovery after surgery