RESUMEN
Protein synthesis and nitrogen equilibrium have been investigated in the early postoperative period in 21 patients with carcinoma of esophagus and cardia after resection. They received 17-L-crystalline amino acid (AAM) and glucose infusion through parenteral route and were compared with a series' of 11 patients taking similar volume and calorie with protein hydrolysate (PRH) and glucose.In AAM series, the plasma protein could be maintained in preoperatiye level but not in PRH series. In AAM series a nitrogen equilibrium was reached while in PRH series was a negative equilibrium. The cellular immunity and serum amino acid spectrum were improved or replaced in both series, but they were better in AAM series. The improvement in nitrogen balance was probably mainly due to an increase in protein synthesis.