Malnutrition and micronutrient deficiency following gastrointestinal cancer surgery: A case report and mini‑review of the literature

Malnutrition is a common issue following gastrointestinal cancer surgery, negatively affecting the quality of life and clinical outcomes of patients following surgery. However, this issue is often overlooked, and limited data are available on the long-term effectiveness of nutritional intervention....

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Bibliographic Details
Published inWorld Academy of Sciences Journal Vol. 6; no. 5; p. 1
Main Authors Do, Thanh Tat, Pham, Phuong Lan Thi, Nguyen, Phuong Thi, Pham, Anh Gia, Vu, Ha Ngoc
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published Spandidos Publications 01.09.2024
Subjects
Anemia
Cancer
Chemotherapy
Diet therapy
Dietary supplements
Enzymes
Hospital patients
Malnutrition
Stomach cancer
Vietnam
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Summary:Malnutrition is a common issue following gastrointestinal cancer surgery, negatively affecting the quality of life and clinical outcomes of patients following surgery. However, this issue is often overlooked, and limited data are available on the long-term effectiveness of nutritional intervention. The present study describes the case of a female patient developing severe malnutrition and micronutrient deficiencies following a gastrectomy for stomach cancer and a pancreatico-duodenectomy due to tumor recurrence. The patient received comprehensive nutrition intervention, combining both oral feeding and supplemental parenteral nutrition, oral and intravenous multi micronutrients supplements and personalized pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy. Her clinical condition markedly improved, as well as the edema caused by malnutrition and cutaneous lesions caused by micronutrient deficiency. Gastrectomy and pancreaticoduodenectomy are both major surgeries that severely affect the nutritional status of patients, as these are the main digestive organs of the body, particularly in the background of cancer and more adverse events from chemotherapy treatment. Progressive protein-energy malnutrition and micronutrient deficiencies are the results of decreased dietary intake, anatomical changes and malabsorption following gastrointestinal surgery. Thus, surgeons/clinicians should consider the comprehensive treatment of patients, including comprehensive nutritional care before, during and following surgery in order to prevent malnutrition and its complications. This would also enhance the effectiveness of surgery and the long-term clinical results following surgery for patients with cancer. Key words: malnutrition, micronutrient deficiency, gastrectomy, pancreaticoduodenectomy, megaloblastic anemia
ISSN:2632-2900
2632-2919
DOI:10.3892/wasj.2024.266