IntroductionThe abbreviation of perioperative fasting among candidates to elective surgery
have been associated with shorter hospital stay and decreased postoperative
complications.ObjectiveTo conduct a systematic review from randomized controlled trials to detect whether
the abbreviation of fasting is beneficial to patients undergoing cancer surgery
compared to traditional fasting protocols.MethodA literature search was performed in electronic databases: MEDLINE (PubMed),
SciELO, EMBASE and Cochrane, without time restriction. Were used the descriptors:
"preoperative fasting", "cancer", "diet restriction" and "perioperative period".
Randomized trials were included in adults of both sexes, with diagnosis of cancer.
Exclusion criteria were: use of parenteral nutrition and publications in
duplicate. All analyzes, selections and data extraction were done blinded manner
by independent evaluators.ResultsFour studies were included, with a total of 150 patients, 128 with colorectal
cancer and 22 gastric cancer. The articles were published from 2006 to 2013. The
main outcome measures were heterogeneous, which impaired the unification of the
results by means of meta-analysis. Compared to traditional protocols, patients
undergoing fasting abbreviation with the administration of fluids containing
carbohydrates had improvements in glycemic parameters (fasting glucose and insulin
resistance), inflammatory markers (interleukin 6 and 10) and indicators of
malnutrition (grip strength hand and CRP/albumin ratio), and shorter hospital
stay. The methodological quality of the reviewed articles, however, suggests that
the results should be interpreted with caution.ConclusionsThe abbreviation of perioperative fasting in patients with neoplasm appears to be
beneficial.