[Nutrition and cephalic pancreaticoduodenectomy]

Abstract

Cephalic pancreaticoduodenectomy (CPD) is the surgical procedure of choice for curative resection of pancreatic head and periampullary tumors. Preoperative nutritional intervention is crucial for reducing postoperative complications since malnutrition can be found in patients with these tumors. This malnutrition can get even worse during the postoperative period due to fasting and subsequent treatments. Besides, the surgical procedure entails surgical resections that alter the digestive process and can have long-term negative effects on the nutritional status. An aspect infrequently assessed is the alteration of exocrine and endocrine functions after surgery, that noticeably affects both the metabolic and general status of these patients. As regards long-term nutrition, there is no consensus on how to evaluate patients who have undergone a pancreatic resection. Consequently, early nutritional intervention since diagnosis may prevent or lessen the deterioration of nutritional status resulting from the disease itself as well as from the surgery and from the long term. The alimentary and nutritional education that would help the patient gain an adequate control of his metabolism and nutrition becomes vital.