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Published in: World Journal of Surgery 8/2006

01-08-2006

Postsurgical Infections are Reduced with Specialized Nutrition Support

Authors: Dan L. Waitzberg, MD, Hideaki Saito, MD, Lindsay D. Plank, PhD, Glyn G. Jamieson, MD, Palepu Jagannath, MD, Tsann-Long Hwang, MD, Juan M. Mijares, MD, David Bihari, MD

Published in: World Journal of Surgery | Issue 8/2006

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Abstract

Objective

The objective was to examine the relationship between pre-, peri-, and postoperative specialized nutritional support with immune-modulating nutrients and postoperative morbidity in patients undergoing elective surgery.

Methods

Studies were identified by searching MEDLINE, review article bibliographies, and abstracts and proceedings of scientific meetings. All randomized clinical trials in which patients were supplemented by the IMPACT formula before and/or after elective surgery and the clinical outcomes reported were included in the meta-analysis. Seventeen studies (n = 2,305), 14 published (n = 2,102), and 3 unpublished (n = 203), fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Ten studies (n = 1,392) examined the efficacy of pre- or perioperative IMPACT supplementation in patients undergoing elective surgery, whereas 7 (n = 913) assessed postoperative efficacy. Fourteen of the studies (n = 2,083) involved gastrointestinal (GI) surgical patients. Postoperative complications, mortality, and length of stay in hospital (LOS) were major outcomes of interest.

Results

IMPACT supplementation, in general, was associated with significant (39%–61%) reductions in postoperative infectious complications and a significant decrease in LOS in hospital by an average of 2 days. The greatest improvement in postoperative outcomes was observed in patients receiving specialized nutrition support as part of their preoperative treatment. In GI surgical patients, anastomotic leaks were 46% less prevalent when IMPACT supplementation was part of the preoperative treatment.

Conclusion

This study identifies a dosage (0.5–1 l/day) and duration (supplementation for 5–7 days before surgery) of IMPACT that contributes to improved outcomes of morbidity in elective surgery patients, particularly those undergoing GI surgical procedures. The cost effectiveness of such practice is supported by recent health economic analysis. Findings suggest preoperative IMPACT use for the prophylaxis of postoperative complications in elective surgical patients.
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Metadata
Title
Postsurgical Infections are Reduced with Specialized Nutrition Support
Authors
Dan L. Waitzberg, MD
Hideaki Saito, MD
Lindsay D. Plank, PhD
Glyn G. Jamieson, MD
Palepu Jagannath, MD
Tsann-Long Hwang, MD
Juan M. Mijares, MD
David Bihari, MD
Publication date
01-08-2006
Publisher
Springer-Verlag
Published in
World Journal of Surgery / Issue 8/2006
Print ISSN: 0364-2313
Electronic ISSN: 1432-2323
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00268-005-0657-x

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