Emma Osland

Early versus traditional postoperative feeding in patients undergoing resectional gastrointestinal surgery: A meta-analysis

BACKGROUND A meta-analysis evaluating surgical outcomes following nutritional provision provided proximal to the anastomosis within 24 hours of gastrointestinal surgery compared with traditional postoperative management was conducted. METHODS Databases were searched to identify randomized controlled trials comparing the outcomes of early and traditional postoperative feeding. Trials involving gastrointestinal tract resection followed by patients receiving nutritionally significant oral or enteral intake within 24 hours after surgery were included for analysis. RESULTS Fifteen studies involving a total of 1240 patients were analyzed. A statistically significant reduction (45%) in relative odds of total postoperative complications was seen in patients receiving early postoperative feeding (odds ratio [OR] 0.55; confidence interval [CI], 0.35 -0.87, P = .01). No effect of early feeding was seen with relation to anastomotic dehiscence (OR 0.75; CI, 0.39-1.4, P = .39), mortality (OR 0.71; CI, 0.32-1.56, P = .39), days to passage of flatus (weighted mean difference [WMD] -0.42; CI, -1.12 to 0.28, P = .23), first bowel motion (WMD -0.28; CI, -1.20 to 0.64, P = .55), or reduced length of stay (WMD -1.28; CI, -2.94 to 0.38, P = .13); however, the direction of clinical outcomes favored early feeding. Nasogastric tube reinsertion was less common in traditional feeding interventions (OR 1.48; CI, 0.93-2.35, P = .10). CONCLUSIONS Early postoperative nutrition is associated with significant reductions in total complications compared with traditional postoperative feeding practices and does not negatively affect outcomes such as mortality, anastomotic dehiscence, resumption of bowel function, or hospital length of stay.

Meta-analysis of D1 versus D2 gastrectomy for gastric adenocarcinoma

Objectives: To conduct a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials evaluating the efficacy and drawbacks of limited (D1) versus extended lymphadenectomy (D2) for proven gastric adenocarcinoma. Methods: A search of Cochrane, Medline, PubMed, Embase, Science Citation Index and Current Contents electronic databases identified randomized controlled trials published in the English language between 1980 and 2008 comparing the outcomes of D1 versus D2 gastrectomy for gastric adenocarcinoma. The meta-analysis was prepared in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-analyses statement. The 6 outcome variables analyzed included length of hospital stay; overall complication rate; anastomotic leak rate; reoperation rate; 30-day mortality rate and 5-year survival rate. Random effects meta-analyses were performed using odds ratios (OR) and weighted mean differences (WMD). Results: Six trials totaling 1876 patients (D1 = 946, D2 = 930) were analyzed. In 5 of the 6 outcomes the summary point estimates favored D1 over D2 group with a statistically significant reduction of (i) 6.37 days reduction in hospital stay (WMD –6.37, confidence interval [CI] –10.66, –2.08, P = 0.0036); (ii) 58% reduction in relative odds of developing postoperative complications (OR 0.42, CI 0.27, 0.66, P = 0.0002); (iii) 60% reduction in anastomotic breakdown (OR 0.40, CI 0.25, 0.63, P = 0.0001); (iv) 67% reduction in reoperation rate (OR 0.33, CI 0.15, 0.72, P = 0.006); and (v) 41% reduction in 30-day mortality rate (OR 0.59, CI 0.40, 0.85, P = 0.0054). Lastly there was no significant difference in the 5-year survival (OR 0.97, CI 0.78, 1.20, P = 0.7662) between D1 and D2 gastrectomy patients. Conclusions: On the basis of this meta-analysis we conclude that D1 gastrectomy is associated with significant fewer anastomotic leaks, postoperative complication rate, reoperation rate, decreased length of hospital stay and 30-day mortality rate. Finally, the 5-year survival in D1 gastrectomy patients was similar to the D2 cohort.

Effect of timing of pharmaconutrition (immunonutrition) administration on outcomes of elective surgery for gastrointestinal malignancies: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND Pharmaconutrition has previously been reported in elective surgery to reduce postoperative infective complications and duration of hospital length of stay. OBJECTIVE To update previously published meta-analyses and elucidate potential benefits of providing arginine-dominant pharmaconutrition in surgical patients specifically with regard to the timing of administration of pharmaconutrition. DESIGN Randomized controlled trials comparing the use of pharmaconutrition with standard nutrition in elective adult surgical patients between 1980 and 2011 were identified. The meta-analysis was prepared in accordance with Preferred Reporting of Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) recommendations. RESULTS Twenty studies yielding 21 sets of data met inclusion criteria. A total of 2005 patients were represented (pharmaconutrition, n = 1010; control, n = 995), in whom pharmaconutrition was provided preoperatively (k = 5), perioperatively (k = 2), or postoperatively (k = 14). No differences were seen in postoperative mortality with the provision of pharmaconutrition irrespective of timing of administration. Statistically significant reductions in infectious complications and length of stay were found with perioperative and postoperative administration. Perioperative administration was also associated with a statistically significant reduction in anastomotic dehiscence, whereas a reduction in noninfective complications was demonstrated with postoperative administration. Preoperative pharmaconutrition demonstrated no notable advantage over standard nutrition provision in any of the clinical outcomes assessed. CONCLUSIONS This meta-analysis highlights the importance of timing as a clinical consideration in the provision of pharmaconutrition in elective gastrointestinal surgical patients and identifies areas where further research is required.

Australasian Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition guidelines for supplementation of trace elements during parenteral nutrition

BACKGROUND This work represents the first part of a progressive review of AuSPENs 1999 Guidelines for Provision of Micronutrient Supplementation in Adult Patients receiving Parenteral Nutrition, in recognition of the developments in the literature on this topic since that time. METHODS A systematic literature review was undertaken and recommendations were made based on the available evidence and with consideration to specific elements of the Australian and New Zealand practice environment. The strength of evidence underpinning each recommendation was assessed. External reviewers provided feedback on the guidelines using the AGREE II tool. RESULTS Reduced doses of manganese, copper, chromium and molybdenum, and an increased dose of selenium are recommended when compared with the 1999 guidelines. Currently the composition of available multi-trace element formulations is recognised as an obstacle to aligning these guidelines with practice. A paucity of available literature and limitations with currently available methods of monitoring trace element status are acknowledged. The currently unknown clinical impact of changes to trace element contamination of parenteral solutions with contemporary practices highlights need for research and clinical vigilance in this area of nutrition support practice. CONCLUSIONS Trace elements are essential and should be provided daily to patients receiving parenteral nutrition. Monitoring is generally only required in longer term parenteral nutrition, however should be determined on an individual basis. Industry is encouraged to modify existing multi-trace element solutions available in Australia and New Zealand to reflect changes in the literature outlined in these guidelines. Areas requiring research are highlighted.

Early postoperative feeding in resectional gastrointestinal surgical cancer patients

Malnutrition is present in the majority of patients presenting for surgical management of gastrointestinal malignancies, due to the effects of the tumour and preoperative anti-neoplastic treatments. The traditional practice of fasting patients until the resumption of bowel function threatens to further contribute to the malnutrition experienced by these patients. Furthermore, the rationale behind this traditional practice has been rendered obsolete through developments in anaesthetic agents and changes to postoperative analgesia practices. Conversely, there is a growing body of literature that consistently demonstrates that providing oral or tube feeding proximal to the anastomosis within 24 h postoperatively, is not only safe, but might be associated with significant benefits to the postoperative course. Early post operative feeding should therefore be adopted as a standard of care in oncology patients undergoing gastrointestinal resections.

Weight loss outcomes in laparoscopic vertical sleeve gastrectomy (LVSG) versus laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB) procedures: a meta-analysis and systematic review of randomized controlled trials

Purpose: Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB) and laparoscopic vertical sleeve gastrectomy (LVSG) have been proposed as cost-effective strategies to manage morbid obesity. The aim of this meta-analysis was to compare the postoperative weight loss outcomes reported in randomized control trials (RCTs) for LVSG versus LRYGB procedures. Material and Methods: RCTs comparing the weight loss outcomes following LVSG and LRYGB in adult population between January 2000 and November 2015 were selected from PubMed, Medline, Embase, Science Citation Index, Current Contents, and the Cochrane database. The review was prepared in accordance with Preferred Reporting of Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA). Results: Nine unique RCTs described over 10 publications involving a total of 865 patients (LVSG, n=437; LRYGB, n=428) were analyzed. Postoperative follow-up ranged from 3 months to 5 years. Twelve-month excess weight loss (EWL) for LVSG ranged from 69.7% to 83%, and for LRYGB, ranged from 60.5% to 86.4%. A number of studies reported slow weight gain between the second and third years of postoperative follow-up ranging from 1.4% to 4.2%EWL. This trend was seen to continue to 5 years postoperatively (8% to 10%EWL) for both procedures. Conclusions: In conclusion, LRYGB and LVSG are comparable with regards to the weight loss outcomes in the short term, with LRYGB achieving slightly greater weight loss. Slow weight recidivism is observed after the first postoperative year following both procedures. Long-term reporting of outcomes obtained from well-designed studies using intention-to-treat analyses are identified as a major gap in the literature at present.

Late Postoperative Complications in Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy (LVSG) Versus Laparoscopic Roux-en-y Gastric Bypass (LRYGB): Meta-analysis and Systematic Review.

Aims and Objectives: Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB) and laparoscopic vertical sleeve gastrectomy (LVSG), have been proposed as cost-effective strategies to manage obesity-related chronic disease. The objectives of this meta-analysis and systematic review were to analyze the “late postoperative complication rate (>30 days)” for these 2 procedures. Materials and Methods: Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published between 2000 and 2015 comparing the late complication rates, that is, >30 days following LVSG and LRYGB in adult population (ie, 16 y and above) were selected from PubMed, Medline, Embase, Science Citation Index, Current Contents, and the Cochrane database. The outcome variables analyzed included mortality rate, major and minor complications, and interventions required for their management and readmission rates. Random effects model was used to calculate the effect size of both binary and continuous data. Heterogeneity among the outcome variables of these trials was determined by the Cochran Q statistic and I2 index. The meta-analysis was prepared in accordance with the Preferred Reporting of Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. Results: Six RCTs involving a total of 685 patients (LVSG, n=345; LRYGB, n=340) reported late major complications. A nonstatistical reduction in relative odds favoring the LVSG procedure was observed [odds ratio (OR), 0.64; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.21-1.97; P=0.4]. Four RCTs representing 408 patients (LVSG, n=208; LRYGB, n=200) reported late minor complications. A nonstatistically significant reduction of 36% in relative odds favoring the LVSG procedure was observed (OR, 0.64; 95% CI, 0.28-1.47; P=0.3). A 37% relative reduction in odds was observed in favor of the LVSG for the need for additional interventions to manage late postoperative complications that did not reach statistical significance (OR, 0.63; 95% CI, 0.19-2.05; P=0.4). No study specifically reported readmissions required for the management of late complication. Conclusions: This meta-analysis and systematic review of RCTs shows that the development of late (major and minor) complications is similar between LVSG and LRYGB procedures, 6 months to 3 years postoperatively, and they do not lead to higher readmission rate or reoperation rate for either procedure. However longer-term surveillance is required to accurately describe the patterns of late complications in these patients.

Are we jumping the gun with pharmaconutrition (immunonutrition) in gastrointestinal onoclogical surgery

Over the last 20 years there has been considerable research into the use of immunonutrition, also referred to as pharmaconutrition, in the management of patients undergoing and recovering from elective gastrointestinal surgery for malignancy. In this group of patients, the use of pharmaconutrition seems to confer superior outcomes to standard nutrition formulations with regards to postoperative infective complications and length of hospital stay. It is therefore frequently recommended for use in elective gastrointestinal oncological surgical populations. However, it remains unclear whether the data supporting these recommendation is robust. Studies reporting improved outcomes with pharmaconutrition frequently compare this intervention with non-equivalent control groups, do not report on the actual nutritional provision received by study participants, overlook the potential impact of industry funding on the conduct of research and do not adopt a multi-disciplinary approach to the research undertaken. For these reasons, an urgent critical re-appraisal of the use and recommendations of pharmaconutrition in this group of patients is warranted to resolve some of the above mentioned issues.

Early Enteral Nutrition Within 24 h of Intestinal Surgery Versus Later Commencement of Feeding: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

we feel that the present study is essentially aduplication of your Cochrane effort, although with slightlydifferent conclusions.While we concur with your overall conclusions about“nil by mouth” (NBM) conveying no benefit over earlyenteral feeding in terms of postsurgical outcomes in gastro-intestinal surgery, there are several aspects of your analysisthat, in our opinion, threaten to undermine your otherwisevalid conclusions. Firstly, your inclusion of the study byHelslin et al.

Early Blood Stream Infection after BMT is Associated with Cytokine Dysregulation and Poor Overall Survival

The key complications of allogeneic bone marrow transplantation (BMT) remain graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) and opportunistic infection. We have analyzed the blood stream infections (BSIs) occurring between day -7 and day 100 in a cohort of 184 adult patients undergoing allogeneic BMT in our center. A total of 167 of the 184 patients (91%) had blood cultures collected, and 69 (38%) patients had a confirmed BSI. Enterobacteriaceae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Enterococcus spp., and viridans Streptococcus spp. were the most commonly isolated organisms. Gender, conditioning (myeloablative versus reduced intensity), and donor type (sibling versus unrelated) did not differ significantly between those with and without confirmed BSI. Elevated temperature (>38°C) at the time of culture collection was associated with an almost 2-fold increased likelihood of returning a positive blood culture. The absence of a BSI was associated with a significant improvement in overall survival at 2 years, due to a significant reduction in nonrelapse mortality predominantly unrelated to the primary BSI. The presence of a BSI before engraftment was associated with the dysregulation of IL-6 and IL-8. Our findings suggest that BSI early after BMT defines a group of high-risk patients with enhanced cytokine dysregulation and poor transplant outcome.