META-ANALYSIS OF ENTERAL IMMUNONUTRITION EFFECTS ON POSTOPERATIVE RECOVERY IN ATHLETES WITH GASTRIC CANCER

Abstract

Objective: This meta-analysis examines the efficacy of various enteral immunonutrition regimens on athletic patients with gastric cancer post-surgery, aiming to improve postoperative outcomes and inform clinical nutrition protocols in sports health management. Methods: Systematic searches were conducted across multiple databases including CNKI, VIP, PubMed, Web of Science, and EMBASE for studies that address the impact of enteral immunonutrition on postoperative outcomes in gastric cancer patients. Quality assessments of included randomized controlled trials were performed using the Cochrane Collaboration’s risk of bias tool. Data synthesis was achieved using RevMan 5.4 software for meta-analysis. Results: Twelve studies were included, with meta-analysis showing significant benefits of specific immunonutrition regimens over standard enteral nutrition (SEN). Regimens combining Arginine, ω-3 Fatty Acids, and RNA [RR = 0.28, 95% CI (0.13, 0.50)], and those combining Arginine, Glutamine, and ω-3 Fatty Acids [RR = 0.23, 95% CI (0.03, 0.85)] significantly reduced the incidence of postoperative infectious complications by 73% and 78%, respectively (P < 0.05). Additionally, the duration of hospital stays was notably reduced with the Arginine, ω-3 Fatty Acids, and RNA regimen compared to SEN [RR= -0.63, 95% CI (-1.18, -0.24), P < 0.05]. Conclusion: Enhanced enteral immunonutrition regimens featuring Arginine, RNA, and ω-3 Fatty Acids or Arginine, Glutamine, and ω-3 Fatty Acids significantly reduce the risk of postoperative infections and shorten hospital stays in athletes undergoing gastric cancer surgery. These findings support the adoption of advanced immunonutrition strategies in the postoperative care of athletic patients, emphasizing their role in speeding recovery and improving clinical outcomes in sports health management.