Preoperative Nutrition Intervention in Patients Undergoing Resection for Upper Gastrointestinal Cancer: Results from the Multi-Centre NOURISH Point Prevalence Study

Background: Preoperative nutrition intervention is recommended prior to upper gastrointestinal (UGI) cancer resection; however, there limited understanding of interventions received in current clinical practice. This study investigated type and frequency preoperative dietetics support demographic factors associated with receipt intervention. Associations between weight loss, surgical length stay (LOS), complications were also investigated. Methods: The NOURISH Point Prevalence Study was conducted September 2019 May 2020 across 27 Australian tertiary centres. Subjective global assessment performed within 7 days admission. Patients reported on intervention, LOS recorded. Results: Two-hundred patients participated (59% male, mean (standard deviation) age 67 (10)). Sixty percent had seen a dietitian preoperatively, whilst 50% receiving (92% oral (ONS)). undergoing pancreatic surgery less likely receive than oesophageal or gastric surgeries (p < 0.001 p = 0.029, respectively). Neoadjuvant therapy 0.003) malnutrition 0.046) remained independently intervention; 31.3% malnourished not dietitian. who ?3 appointments lower (SD) percentage loss at the 1-month timeframe compared 0–2 (1.2 (2.0) vs. 3.1 (3.3), 0.001). ONS for >2 weeks those did (1.8) 2.9 (3.4), In patients, total reduced (odds ratio 0.2, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.1, 0.9, 0.04), (regression coefficient ?7.3, CI ?14.3, ?0.3, 0.04). Conclusions: Despite recommendations, are low rates consultation this population, which increased risk patients. results provide insights into evidence–practice gaps improvement data further research regarding optimal methods support.