The effect of nutritional support on the immune function in the acute postoperative period after esophageal cancer surgery: total parenteral nutrition versus enteral nutrition.

BACKGROUND Enteral nutrition (EN) is now used more frequently than total parenteral nutrition (TPN) for nutritional support after resection for esophageal cancer. But consensus regarding which type of nutrition should be used does not exist. We studied the effect of TPN and EN on patients' nutritional status and immune function in the immediate postoperative period after esophageal cancer resection. METHODS We enrolled 30 patients (27 men and 3 women) who underwent subtotal esophagectomy. The patients were randomly assigned to TPN or EN group. Either TPN or EN was begun on postoperative day 1. On postoperative days 1, 3, and 7, three endpoints were measured: albumin, C-reactive protein, and Th1/Th2 balance. RESULTS All patients completed the study. Anastomotic leaks occurred in 6 patients in the TPN group and 7 patients in the EN group. Albumin, Th1/Th2 balance, and C-reactive protein did not differ between the groups. Th1/Th2 balance was not different regardless of the preoperative treatment or complications. CONCLUSIONS No differences in immune function, nutritional state, or inflammatory response were seen between patients supported with TPN and those supported with EN. The results of our study suggest that perioperative nutritional support can be safely performed either with TPN or EN.