THE EFFECT OF EARLY INTRAVENOUS NUTRITIONAL SUPPORT WITH HIGH DOSE TRACE ELEMENTS ON THE IMMUNE FUNCTION OF CANCER PATIENTS AFTER MAJOR GIT SURGERY

Abstract

Patients with gastrointestinal cancer are at high risk for malnutrition. Malnutrition has a deleterious effect on every major system in the body. Trace elements are now an essential additive to parenteral nutrition mixtures as they play a role in a number of key metabolic functions in the body. The present study showed a significant role of high dose trace element supplementation in improving the immune functions of gastrointestinal cancer patients after major surgeries. The number of days of antibiotic therapy, ICU stay, total hospital stay and the occurrence of postoperative complications were markedly reduced in these patients.