Survey of nutritional practices in total gastrectomy and oesophagectomy procedures

Total gastrectomy and Ivor Lewis oesophagectomy procedures are the mainstay of upper gastrointestinal cancer management. Maintenance of adequate nutritional intake is essential for positive patient outcomes. Although numerous nutritional support options exist, clear evidence-based guidelines on the optimal means and duration of nutritional support are lacking. The aim of this study is to establish preliminary data on the current perioperative nutritional practices of upper gastrointestinal surgeons performing these procedures across Australia and New Zealand. It is hoped this will help provide the platform for future research towards establishing evidence-based guidelines in upper gastrointestinal surgery.

A questionnaire exploring the nutritional practices and considerations of surgeons was developed and emailed to the members of the Australia & New Zealand Gastric & Oesophageal Surgery Association.

A total of 27.4% of Australia & New Zealand Gastric & Oesophageal Surgery Association members completed the questionnaire. Surgeons reported inserting a jejunostomy feeding tube intraoperatively in Ivor Lewis oesophagectomy procedures 80-100% of the time, compared to only 20-39% of the time in total gastrectomy procedures. For both procedures, surgeons often refer their patients to a dietitian preoperatively, and always postoperatively. Preoperative immune-enhancing nutrition is rarely administered. Patient age and BMI are deemed to be of low importance when determining the means of nutritional support.

This study has demonstrated the current nutritional practices employed in Australia and New Zealand for patients undergoing major upper gastrointestinal surgery. Questions remain regarding the noted differences between procedures as well as the optimal means and duration of perioperative nutritional support.