Evidence of the effect of immunonutrition on the prevention of surgical site infection.

Surgical candidates are often immunosuppressed patients. Immunodeficiency associated with malnutrition are risk factors for developing postoperative SSI. The term "immunonutrition" refers to the addition of omega-3 fatty acids, glutamine and arginine to liquid nutritional supplements. Diverse studies have shown a reduction in septic complications after perioperative use of immunonutrition, but these results could not be confirmed by other authors. In this issue, we will review the actual evidence about the effect of immunonutrition on the prevention of SSI.