Clinical value of early postoperative enteral nutrition in esophageal and cardiac cancer patients

ObjectivesTo evaluate the safety and clinical value of early postoperative enteral nutrition in esophageal and cardiac cancer patients.MethodsForty-seven cases of esophageal and cardiac cancer were randomly divided into two groups, enteral nutrition group (EN group) 24 cases and routine group (control group) 23 cases.The vital signs, resumption of gastrointestinal function, and complications after operation were carefully observed.The weight change, plasma protein, fasting glucose, liver and renal functions, electrolytes, and immunoglobin before and after nutritional support were compared between the two groups.Results Neither of the two groups had death after operation or severe complications.The liver and renal functions did not change, but EN group showed significant elevation of plasma protein, transferrin and prealbumin one week after nutritional support (P0.01).Similar changes were not observed in the control group.The immune function of EN group patients was also significantly improved(P0.01).ConclusionsThe early postoperative enteral nutrition for esophageal and cardiac cancer patients is safe and feasible.It has significant benefits for improving the nutritional status and immune function.