DESNUTRIÇÃO PROTEICO-CALÓRICA EM PACIENTES SUBMETIDOS A GASTRECTOMIA PARA TRATAMENTO DE CÂNCER GÁSTRICO

Abstract

Introduction: The ability of gastrectomy to effectively cure gastric cancer has increased over the decades, however problems related to quality of life and functional and nutritional status persist as a result of this procedure. Due to the importance of the mechanical and chemical functions of the stomach, nutritional changes are expected after the procedure, such as protein-caloric malnutrition, anorexia, diarrhea, dumping syndrome, anemia and weight loss. Objective: Evaluate the frequency of protein energy malnutrition in patients undergoing partial or total gastrectomy for the treatment of stomach cancer. Methodology: Patients who underwent gastrectomy (partial or total) for the treatment of malignant stomach cancer from 2006 to 2019 at Hospital Napoleão Laureano, in João Pessoa-PB, were selected. Patients were subdivided according to the type of gastrectomy. An evaluation was carried out consisting of four (04) stages: medical evaluation, nutritional evaluation, laboratory and endoscopic exams. Results: Data from twenty-two (22) patients were collected. Most patients (81.81%) reported some symptoms after gastrectomy, with weight loss being the most frequent complaint (40.91%). No patient presented malnutrition according to the BMI criterion. However, other anthropometric parameters, such as PCT and AMC, showed a considerable proportion of malnutrition (77.27%), especially PCT, which has a predictive value for mortality, and AMC with a significant difference for total gastrectomy. There was also a reduction in serum iron, vit. B12 and albumin, with normal values of folic acid and homocysteine. Conclusion: Patients who underwent subtotal or total gastrectomy for the treatment of gastric cancer are at high risk for the development of malnutrition and deficiency conditions, especially due to the modification of digestive physiology after the procedure.