Colorectal surgery patients face excessive catabolism, increasing inflammation and immune compromise. The administration of nutritional supplements known as immunonutrition before gastrointestinal surgery has been shown to improve clinical outcomes; however, the mechanisms underlying these benefits remain inconclusive.
The objective of the study is to evaluate the effect of preoperative nutritional supplementation with an immunonutrient-enriched formula compared to an isocaloric and isoproteic formula on plasma BCAA concentration in patients undergoing elective colorectal surgery. A double-blind, randomized controlled clinical trial will be conducted. Patients will be required to drink the supplement daily for the 7 days preceding the surgical intervention. Patients in both groups will be instructed to maintain their usual food intake. During the study, there will be two patient assessments and a review of medical records to document the outcomes.
Both sexes
Over 18 years of age
Scheduled for elective colorectal surgery (Resection and intestinal reconnection)
Obtaining patient consent
Consumption of nutritional supplements during the 2 weeks prior to patient enrollment
Consumption of additional nutritional supplements during the 7 days corresponding to the study intervention period
Patients diagnosed with chronic kidney disease
Patients diagnosed with hepatic cirrhosis