Nutrition may boost stomach surgery

Monday October 5th, 2009

Patients who have had surgery for stomach cancer recover best if they are fed after surgery - using liquid food, researchers will tell a major UK cancer conference today.

The trick is to pass food directly into the intestine, according to the findings of a trial in Cardiff, Wales.

Traditionally these patients have had to fast for up to ten days after surgery.

The study looked at treatment of patients who underwent surgery for cancer of the stomach, pancreas and oesophagus.

The findings are to be reported to the National Cancer Research Institute conference in Birmingham.

Some 121 patients took part in the trial at the University Hospital of Wales.

Researcher Dr Rachael Barlow said: "In our trial we turned the traditional thinking to starve patients after major gastrointestinal surgery on its head and have found huge benefits. The striking find that nutrients straight after surgery meant patients recovered quicker and tended to have fewer complications has major implications for the NHS.

"Importantly patients who were given the nutrition were more likely to be healthier and have a better quality of life in the months after surgery."

The researchers say a change in treatment could save the NHS large sums of money through the improved recovery of patients.

NCRI chair Professor Sir Kenneth Calman said: This result shows that a small change in follow up care after operations for oesophagus, stomach and pancreas cancer could benefit patients and have huge cost saving implications for the NHS.

"We look forward to seeing the results of further clinical trials to see if the same technique of food after surgery can be applied to patients who have had operations for other types of cancers."

Source: National Cancer Research Institute

Tags: Cancer | Diet & Food | Gastroenterology | Internal Medicine | UK News

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