Nutritional and Biochemical Outcomes After Total Versus Subtotal Gastrectomy: Insights into Early Postoperative Prognosis.

Gastric cancer remains a significant global health burden, with curative treatment relying on surgical resection, typically total or subtotal gastrectomy. However, the procedure frequently triggers acute metabolic and nutritional disturbances that may impact recovery.

Objective

This prospective study aimed to investigate whether the type of gastrectomy (total vs. subtotal) influences early postoperative biochemical and hematological alterations, with particular attention to nutritional impact.

Methods

A cohort of 295 patients (123 female, 172 male) who underwent gastrectomy for gastric cancer at the Institute of Oncology Iași (2023-2024) was evaluated. Laboratory parameters, including hemoglobin, hematocrit, lymphocyte and platelet counts, serum albumin, total protein, sodium, potassium, creatinine, and urea, were analyzed preoperatively and on postoperative day 14 using standard clinical methods.

Results

Anemia was observed in over 90% of patients, irrespective of sex or procedure type. Electrolyte imbalances (notably hyponatremia and hypokalemia) and indicators of nutritional deficit (hypoalbuminemia, low creatinine) were highly prevalent, with a greater frequency among female patients. Total gastrectomy was associated with more severe biochemical and nutritional alterations compared to subtotal procedures.

Conclusions

Total gastrectomy significantly exacerbates early postoperative metabolic and nutritional derangements. These findings reinforce the need for proactive, personalized postoperative nutritional and electrolyte management strategies to support recovery and reduce complication risks.