Perioperative immunonutrition and outcomes in head and neck cancer surgery – a randomized clinical trial: Effects of perioperative immunonutrition in patients with head and neck cancer

Abstract

Background: – This study aimed to evaluate the impact of perioperative immunonutrition (IN) versus standard enteral nutrition (EN) on short-term postoperative outcomes in patients with head and neck cancer (HNC). Methods: – A prospective randomized controlled trial was conducted with 34 HNC patients (17 in the intervention group and 17 in the control group). Five days before surgery, the intervention group received 3 sachets of IN (arginine, omega 3, nucleotide), whereas the control group received 3 boxes of a standard EN product. Postoperatively, both groups continued their respective nutritional regimens for 10 days from the (nasogastric) tube. Measurements included body composition, food consumption, nutritional risk score (NRS)-2002, quality of life, biochemical parameters, complications, antibiotic use, and length of hospital stay (LOS). Results: – There were no significant changes in anthropometric measurements or NRS-2002 scores. Albumin levels in both groups decreased on the 10th postoperative day compared with the preoperative period (P.05). The functional scales and physical, occupational, and cognitive function scores of the intervention group were higher than those of the control group (P < .05) on postoperative 40th day. Conclusion: – Perioperative IN support did not differ significantly from standard EN in terms of anthropometric measurements, biochemical findings, LOS, or complication rates. Nutritional counseling by a dietitian is essential for patients with HNC.