International journal of oral and maxillofacial surgery
-
Int J Oral Maxillofac Surg · Feb 2009
ReviewA systematic review of the role of immunonutrition in patients undergoing surgery for head and neck cancer.
Patients with head and neck cancer are often malnourished and have a high incidence of postoperative complications. Studies of patients with head and neck cancer receiving immunonutrition in the perioperative period have suggested, but not conclusively demonstrated, benefit. This study reviews randomised trials comparing perioperative standard polymeric nutrition or no nutritional supplementation with immunonutrition in the treatment of head and neck cancer. ⋯ Perioperative immunonutrition is associated with reduced length of hospital stay; the mechanism is unclear as other outcomes were not improved. Trials were small with incomplete reporting of outcomes. An adequately powered trial is required to substantiate benefit.