OBJECTIVETo compare the efficacy between perioperative enteral and parenteral nutrition support for esophageal cancer patients complicated with diabetes mellitus.

METHODSThirty esophageal cancer patients complicated with diabetes mellitus between September and November 2012 were prospectively enrolled in this trial. According to random number table, 30 cases were randomly divided into enteral group (n=15) and parenteral group (n=15). During the period between 3 days before operation and 8 days after operation, patients received enteral nutrition (AnSure) and parenteral nutrition support respectively. The daily dynamic monitoring of blood glucose was performed. Nutritional indexes (albumin and prealbumin) were evaluated 1-day before operation and 8-day after operation. Postoperative recovery time of gastrointestinal function and complications associated with nutritional support were observed. The cost of nutritional support was calculated.

RESULTSPatients in the two groups achieved satisfactory perioperative blood glucose control. Finger tip blood glucose was 5.0-9.0 mmol/L before meal, 7.0-10.0 mmol/L 2-hour after meal, and 4.0-8.0 mmol/L at 10 PM and 3 AM. No hypoglycemia (<3.5 mmol/L) was found in all the patients. The time to first flatus after surgery was (62.4±15.7) in the enteral group, significantly earlier than (90.8±22.4) h in the parenteral group (P<0.01). Postoperative nutritional indices and associated complications were not significantly different between two groups (all P>0.05). Cost in the enteral group was significantly lower than that in the parenteral group [(650.8±45.8) RMB vs. (3016.5±152.6) RMB, P<0.01].

CONCLUSIONPerioperative nutrition support can effectively control blood glucose and improve perioperative nutritional status simultaneously for esophageal cancer patients with diabetes mellitus. Compared with parenteral nutrition, enteral nutrition can accelerate the recovery of gastric bowel function and reduce the cost of nutritional support.