Peripheral vein infusions of amino acids facilitate recovery after esophagectomy for esophageal cancer: Retrospective cohort analysis

BACKGROUND: To investigate the efficacy of amino acid administration via peripheral veins in addition to conventional enteral feeding following esophagectomy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrospective analysis of data pertaining to 33 patients with esophageal cancer who underwent radical esophagectomy and satisfied the required nutrition control. Patients were divided into the amino acid group (n = 17) and control group (n = 16). Primary outcomes were albumin (Alb) and prealbumin (PreAlb) levels, urinary 3-methylhistidine/creatinine (3-MeHis/Cre) ratios, nitrogen balance, and weight; postoperative complications were noted as secondary outcomes. RESULTS: Alb levels were significantly higher in the amino acid group on postoperative day (POD)-14 (3.4 ± 0.3 vs. 3.1 ± 0.4 mg/dL in the control group, p = 0.018) and at 1 month after surgery (3.8 ± 0.4 vs. 3.5 ± 0.3 mg/dL, p = 0.045). No significant differences were observed in PreAlb and urinary 3-MeHis/Cre rates between the treatment groups. Body weights at 3 months postoperatively were decreased by 6% and 3% in the control and amino acid groups, respectively. CONCLUSION: Peripheral venous administration of amino acids soon after surgical stress is an effective method for nutritional control.