Patient optimization for gastrointestinal cancer surgery

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Surgical Care
• Perioperative Medicine

Background:

• Surgical resection is key for gastrointestinal cancer cure.
• Neoadjuvant/adjuvant therapies are increasingly emphasized.
• Perioperative care optimization for oncological outcomes is under-addressed.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review perioperative factors impacting gastrointestinal cancer patient outcomes.
• To highlight the potential of enhanced recovery protocols.

Main Methods:

• Narrative review of English literature.
• Inclusion of authors' experience in enhanced recovery research.

Main Results:

• Modifiable perioperative factors (lifestyle, co-morbidity, nutrition, etc.) reduce morbidity/mortality.
• Optimized perioperative care can improve functional capacity and quality of life.
• Potential for oncological outcome improvement comparable to adjuvant therapies.

Conclusions:

• Enhanced recovery protocols offer significant benefits.
• Further research on long-term effects of expanded protocols is needed.