The international surgical journal with global reach

This is the Scientific Surgery Archive, which contains all randomized clinical trials in surgery that have been identified by searching the top 50 English language medical journal issues since January 1998. Compiled by Jonothan J. Earnshaw, former Editor-in-Chief, BJS

A meta-analysis of the effect of combinations of immune modulating nutrients on outcome in patients undergoing major open gastrointestinal surgery. Ann Surg 2012; 255: 1060-1068.

Published: 16th October 2012

Authors: Marimuthu K, Varadhan K, Ljungqvist O, Lobo D

Conclusion

This analysis included 26 trials that enrolled 2496 patients. Although there was no significant improvement in perioperative mortality, there was strong evidence of a reduction in postoperative infections (risk ratio 0.64, 95 per cent confidence interval 0.55 to 0.74) and duration of hospital stay: mean difference -1.88 days, 95 per cent confidence interval -2.91 to -0.84 days.

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