Ann Clin Nutr Metab.  2023 Dec;15(3):81-87. 10.15747/ACNM.2023.15.3.81.

Perioperative nutritional practices and attitudes among gastrointestinal oncologic surgeons in Korea: a nation-wide survey study

• Kim DH
• Seo JM
• Choi MG

• KMID: 2548774
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.15747/ACNM.2023.15.3.81

Abstract

Purpose
This study aimed to investigate the current perioperative nutritional practices and attitudes among gastrointestinal (GI) oncologic surgeons in Korea. Evidence-based perioperative nutritional practices are not wellestablished in this field.
Methods
A nationwide survey was conducted with 24 items, targeting GI oncologic surgical faculty members from March 2022 to April 2022 through social networking service messaging and email. Whole target number was 3,421.
Results
Out of responding 161 GI surgeons, 83.9% were male and 16.1% were female, and about 49.7% were in their 40s. When asked about their hospital policies, 67.1% reported the existence of formal nutritional screening programs. However, the execution and analysis of these programs varied considerably. Most surgeons conducted preoperative nutritional screening, with albumin testing the most frequently performed. In addition, nutritional supplementation— primarily protein drinks—was given before surgery. The duration for which these supplements were used varied from ≤3 days to 4–7 days. Most respondents recognized the importance of addressing nutritional deficiencies in patients with GI tumors; however, when asked about immunonutrition, 89.4% of surgeons admitted having limited knowledge.
Conclusion
Although there is recognition of the importance of evidence-based nutrition practices in GI and oncologic surgery programs, this study reveals limited implementation of such practices. This study highlights a considerable opportunity to leverage existing positive surgeon beliefs and published data on the benefits of perioperative nutrition to enhance surgical nutrition practices and to improve patient outcomes in Korea.

Keyword

Malnutrition; Neoplasms; Nutrition assessment; Republic of Korea; Surveys and questionnaires