Publication:

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

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.