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Preoperative Nutrition — SCE Medical Oncology MCQ

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EasyGI CancersPreoperative NutritionSCE Medical Oncology

A 62-year-old man with gastric cancer is being assessed for gastrectomy. His nutritional status is poor (BMI 18, albumin 25 g/L). What preoperative intervention is essential?

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Correct answer: A — Preoperative nutritional optimisation (oral nutritional supplements, enteral feeding if oral intake inadequate) for at least 7-14 days before major surgery — malnutrition increases surgical complications

ESPEN (European Society for Clinical Nutrition and Metabolism) and ERAS (Enhanced Recovery After Surgery) guidelines recommend preoperative nutritional assessment and optimisation for all patients undergoing major GI cancer surgery. Malnourished patients (BMI <18.5, >10% weight loss, albumin <30 g/L) should receive 7-14 days of nutritional support before elective surgery. Oral nutritional supplements are first-line; enteral (NG/NJ) feeding is second-line; parenteral nutrition is reserved for non-functional GI tract.

Reference: ESPEN Surgical Nutrition Guidelines 2024; ERAS Gastric Surgery Protocol; NICE NG83