Which nutritional strategy has been shown to reduce infectious complications when given before elective major gastrointestinal cancer surgery?
- A Arginine-enriched immunonutrition with omega-3 fatty acids and nucleotides for 5 to 7 days pre-operatively ✓
- B High-dose intravenous vitamin C for 3 days pre-operatively
- C Exclusive parenteral glutamine infusion started on the morning of surgery
- D Carbohydrate loading with clear fluids alone up to 2 hours before surgery
Correct answer: A. Arginine-enriched immunonutrition with omega-3 fatty acids and nucleotides for 5 to 7 days pre-operatively
Explanation
Pre-operative oral immunonutrition enriched with arginine, omega-3 fatty acids, and RNA nucleotides, given for 5 to 7 days before elective major GI oncological surgery, reduces infectious complications and length of stay in malnourished and moderately nourished patients. Arginine supports nitric oxide generation and T-cell function. Carbohydrate loading is an ERAS measure that improves insulin sensitivity and comfort but does not reduce infectious complications. Peri-operative parenteral glutamine is not established for this indication.
Reference: Sabiston Textbook of Surgery, 21st ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
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