Abstract:Objective: To compare different perioperative nutritional support methods for patients undergoing liver resection under fast track (FT) scheme. Methods: One hundred and four patients scheduled for liver resection were equally randomized into two groups to receive enteral nutrition support (EN group) and parenteral nutrition support (PN group), respectively. All patients underwent FT perioperative management. Comparison was made between the two groups in pre- and postoperative changes in body weight (WT) and hemoglobin (HB), total protein (TP), albumin (ALB) and total lymphocyte count (TLC), and postoperative time to first flatus and defecation, length of postoperative hospital stay, and incidence of gastrointestinal adverse reactions and postoperative complications. Results: The nutrition indicators on postoperative 7 d were all decreased significantly compared with preoperative 3 d values in PN group, among which only TP and ALB levels were significantly decreased in EN group, but the decreasing amplitudes were significantly less than those in PN group (all P<0.05). In EN group, compared to PN group, the time to either flatus or defecation was shortened, and the incidence of adverse reactions was reduced (all P<0.05). There was no significant difference in length of postoperative hospital stay and incidence of postoperative complications between the two groups (all P<0.05). Conclusion: For hepatectomy patients receiving fast track protocol, perioperative EN support is beneficial for improving nutritional status and immune function, and accelerating postoperative recovery.