Six weeks of home enteral nutrition versus standard care after esophagectomy or total gastrectomy for cancer: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Each year approximately 3000 patients in the United Kingdom undergo surgery for esophagogastric cancer. Jejunostomy feeding tubes, placed at the time of surgery for early postoperative nutrition, have been shown to have a positive impact on clinical outcomes in the short term. Whether feeding out of hospital is of benefit is unknown. Local experience has identified that between 15 and 20% of patients required 'rescue' jejunostomy feeding for nutritional problems and weight loss while at home. This weight loss and poor nutrition may contribute to the detrimental effect on the overall quality of life (QoL) reported in these patients.

Methods/design

This randomized pilot and feasibility study will provide preliminary information on the routine use of jejunostomy feed

SUBMITTER: Bowrey DJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4039309 | biostudies-literature | 2014 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature