[Efficacy of a low-residue diet in the prevention of immuno-nutritional changes caused by the preparation of the colon for surgery].

Twenty-four patients about to undergo colorectal resection for cancer were randomly divided into two groups of 12: A and B. All had an uninterrupted colonic preparation for colonoscopy and surgery involving dietary restrictions for 4-8 days (450 calories; 25 g. proteins daily). In the group B an additional intake of 1200 Kcal. and 32 g. protein daily was given by a low-residue diet. Body weight, lymphocytes, albumin, prealbumin, C3, C4 and Complement activity (CH100) were evaluated on admission and after bowel preparation. In group A statistically significant decrease were found in all the parameters. In group B significant reduction occurred only in C4. The data confirm a relationship between immuno-nutritional state and preparation for colonic surgery, and suggest that a preoperative nutritional support may avoid or limit bio-humoral changes, indicative of an immuno-nutritional impairment.