Effects of perioperative enteral glutamine on surgical outcome in gastrointestinal cancer patients

Authors

  • Raghavendra . Department of Surgery, KMC Mangalore, Karnataka, India
  • Raghupathi S. Department of Surgery, Sri Devraj URS Medical College, Kolar, Karnataka, India

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18203/2349-2902.isj20190822

Keywords:

Gastrointestinal cancer, Glutamine, Immunonutrition, Perioperative

Abstract

Background: Previous trials have shown that perioperative glutamine could protect patients from infectious complications after gastrointestinal cancer operations.

Methods: 54 patients with a planned elective operation for gastrointestinal cancer were divided into two groups: GROUP A: patients given glutamine enriched enteral nutrition perioperatively (n=27), GROUP B: patients given enteral feed without glutamine (n=27). Patients were assessed in terms of post-operative complications like infective complications, anastomotic leak, need for reintervention, length of hospital stay and mortality.

Results: In group A seven patients and in group B six patients had surgical site infection post operatively (p=0.750). In group A five patients and in group B three patients had lung and urinary tract infection post operatively (p=0.444). In group A three patients and in group B five patients had intra-abdominal abscess/collection post operatively (p=0.444). In group A one patient and in group B three patients had anastomotic leak post operatively (p=0.299). In group A three patients and in group B three patients had reintervention in form of ultrasound guided aspiration and ultrasound guided pigtail aspiration for intra-abdominal collection (p=1.000). In group A and in group B mean length of hospital stay was 26 days and 23 days respectively (p=0.346). In group A and in group B mean length of post-operative hospital stay was 13 and 12 days respectively (p=0.642). There was no mortality in our study. No significant difference between the groups was found in complication rates, length of hospital stay.

Conclusions: Routine perioperative glutamine to the patients undergoing major gastrointestinal surgery is not beneficial.

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Published

2019-02-25

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Original Research Articles