ABSTRACT
Objective To compare the benefits of the combined nutrition support with enteral nutrition (EN)and parenteral nutrition(PN)versus sole PN for elder patients after pancreaticoduodenectomy.Methods The clinical data of 48 consecutive elderly patients who underwent Whipple operations in Beijing Hospital were retrospectively analyzed.Patients were divided into PN+EN group(n=25)and sole PN group(n=23)according to the nutrition support modes.Demographic data as well as data on liver function,endotoxin levels,and post-operative complications were recorded.Mortality,length of hospital stay,and total costs of post-operative management were compared between two groups.Results Endotoxin level increased on the 1stpost-operative day(POD 1) in two groups,but there is not significant difference,and then gradually decreased in beth two groups;however,the decrease rate(compared with the POD 1 level)was significantly higher in PN+EN group than in PN group on POD 7 and 14(P<0.01).The levels of alanine transaminase,aspartate aminotransferase,total bilirubin,and direct bilirubin increased on POD 1 in both groups,but there is not significant difference,and then gradually decreased;however,the decrease rates(compared with the levels on POD 1)were also significantly higher in PN+EN group than in PN group(P<0.05)on POD 14.Infective complication rate in group PN+EN(2/25,8.0%)was significantly lower than that in group PN(6/23,26.0%)(P<0.05).Total complication rate,post-operative hospital stay,and total costs were similar between these both groups.Conclusions PN+EN can effectively reduce endotoxemia and post-operative infective complications and improve liver function without increasing costs.Therefore,it is feasible for elderly patients after pancreaticoduodenectomy.