P-OGC84 Impact of routine feeding via jejunostomy after oesophagectomy

Abstract Background Oesophageal cancer is the 8th most common cancer worldwide, with oesophagectomy remaining the mainstay curative treatment, despite significant associated morbidity and mortality. Postoperative weight loss remains a significant problem and is directly correlated to poor prognosis. Measures such as the Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) programme and intraoperative jejunostomy feed placement have looked to tackle this. Our aim was to investigate the impact of supplemental jejunostomy feed in practice on mortality, length of hospital stays and postoperative weight loss in a high-volume regional centre. Methods Patients undergoing oesophagectomy between January 2012 - December 2014 and January 2016 - December 2019 in a national tertiary oesophagogastric unit were included retrospectively. Variables measured included comorbidities, operation, histopathology, weights (pre- and post-operatively), length of hospital stay, postoperative complications and mortality. Survival data were analysed using R Studio, Inc. Results 566 patients were included. Median age at diagnosis was 66 years (30-85). Majority of cases included were adenocarcinoma (72.6%), or squamous cell carcinoma (22.3%). Within the two study groups, severe weight loss > 10% of pre-operative weight was seen in 38.6% and 4.87% of patients discharged without and with jejunostomy feeds at 3 months, respectively. At 6 months, severe weight-loss was seen in 47.6% and 0.64% of patients discharged without and with jejunostomy feeds, respectively. Median length of stay was 15 days (7-92) and 12 days (6-338) for patients discharged without and with jejunostomy feeds, respectively. Overall median survival in patients discharged without jejunostomy was 52 months (p = 0.035), and in those discharged with jejunostomy, 48 months (p = 0.044). Conclusions Postoperative malnutrition has associated poor outcomes. Perioperative nutritional support, to include postoperative jejunal feeding post-discharge can reduce weight loss, and influence survival as well as length of hospital stay. Further randomised trials are needed in order to optimise recovery and morbidity in patients post-oesophagectomy.