Impact of the Use of Immunomodulatory Diet in Colorectal Cancer Patients under Elective Surgeries with Preoperative Fasting Abbreviation

Abstract

Introduction: The immune function is usually suppressed by major surgical procedures and protein-energy malnutrition. The immunomodulation becomes a therapeutic option for cancer patients undergoing surgery, reducing infectious complications after surgery, as well as hospital stay. Objective: To evaluate the impact of the use of an immunomodulatory diet in colorectal cancer patients undergoing elective surgeries with preoperative fasting abbreviation. Method: A cohort with retrospective data was performed with colorectal cancer patients who underwent surgery in the Brazilian National Cancer Institute José Alencar Gomes da Silva, in 2013. The sample was divided into two groups. Group 1: patients who underwent preoperative fasting abbreviation and who received nutritional supplementation with a preoperative immunomodulatory diet (n=20); and group 2: patients who underwent only the abbreviation of fasting preoperatively (n= 0). The study collected patient identification data, together with clinical and surgical data from the records. Statistical analyzes were performed using SPSS, 17.0. Results: The sample consisted of 50 patients who underwent an anterior resection of the rectum, with a mean age of 61.9 years ± 13.8 years; and 52% male. The most prevalent tumor site was the rectum (44%). No significant differences were observed between the groups regarding nutritional, clinical and surgical characteristics, the biochemical tests (pre and postoperative), gastrointestinal complications, the occurrence of complications after surgery and hospital stay. Conclusion: Within the studied conditions, preoperative immunomodulation did not contribute to a reduction of postoperative complications, incidences of gastrointestinal complications and hospital stay.