RANDOMIZATION TO NUTRITIONAL INTERVENTION AT HOME DID NOT IMPROVE POSTOPERATIVE FUNCTION, FATIGUE OR WELL-BEING

Background Postoperative fatigue and deterioration in functional capac ity have been correlated to postoperative weight loss. This suggested that nutritional support to enhance the regain of weight might improve upon the convalescence.Methods Patients were allocated randomly at di scharge to standard management or to dietary advice and protein-rich s upplements for 4 months. The convalescence of 32 patients admitted ele ctively for colorectal surgery and of 21 operated on for acute obstruc tion or severe peritonitis was studied. Results The intervention subst antially increased protein intake, gain in body-weight and lean body m ass, especially in the legs as shown by dual-energy X-ray absorptiomet ry. Changes in work capacity, hand grip and pinching strength, fatigue and quality of life were similar in patients in control and intervent ion groups and had returned to preoperative values 1-2 months after op eration, although fatigue was increased at 2-3 months. Conclusions Thi s study did not support the hypothesis that changes in weight were imp ortant for the changes in function and fatigue in patients with small to moderate weight loss.