The Effect of Immunonutrition on Veterans Undergoing Major Surgery for Gastrointestinal Cancer
A randomized controlled trial found that providing immunonutrition supplementation before surgery reduced the rate of postoperative complications and the length of hospital stays.
Ms. Lewis is a Dietetic Program Internship Director, Ms. Pugsley is a Clinical Dietitian, Mr. Schneider is the Lead Surgical Service Physician Assistant, Dr. Rakita is Chief of Surgical Service, Dr. Moudgill is Chiefof Division of General Surgery, all at James A. Haley Veterans’ Hospital in Tampa, Florida. Dr. Moudgill is an Assistant Professor, and Dr. Rakita is an Associate Professorin the Department of Surgery at University of South Florida. Correspondence: Mr. Schneider(christopher.schneider2@va.gov)
Author disclosures The authors report no actual or potential conflicts of interest with regard to this article.
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Conclusion
The primary purpose of this research was to determine whether the veteran population would benefit from an immunonutrition preoperative protocol as recommended by several practice guidelines. The results of the initial analysis and the colorectal analysis were presented to the hospital interdisciplinary nutrition committee who voted that a preoperative immunonutrition protocol will be implemented at JAHVH because of the high comorbidity rate experienced by veterans.
