Is there a rationale for perioperative nutrition therapy in the times of ERAS?

In order to increase patient compliance in Enhanced Recovery after Surgery (ERAS) programs, assessment and monitoring of functional and nutritional status should be routinely performed. Sarcopenic obesity is frequently underestimated and has been shown to be a significant risk factor for the development of postoperative complications. With special regard to gastrointestinal cancer patients undergoing neoadjuvant treatment, nutritional deficiencies may develop stepwise and increase during therapy. In the case of proven deficits, recent strategies including “prehabilitation” focus on making the patient fit for an ERAS program. Evidence-based guidelines for perioperative nutrition therapy have been available.