The role of perioperative oral nutritional supplementation in elderly patients after hip surgery

BACKGROUND: The effect of perioperative oral nutritional supplementation (ONS) on elderly patients after hip surgery remains controversial. This study intended to ascertain whether perioperative ONS is beneficial for the rehabilitation of elderly patients after hip surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We searched databases including PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials for articles published up to May 2014. Randomized controlled trials of ONS for elderly patients after hip surgery were included. RESULTS: The combined trials showed that ONS had a positive effect on the serum total protein (P<0.00001) and led to a significantly decreased number of complications (P=0.0005). Furthermore, data from the infection subgroups showed significant decreases in wound infection (P=0.02), respiratory infection (P=0.04), and urinary tract infection (P=0.03). Clinical observation suggests that the intervention may improve the level of serum albumin, although the data did not reach statistical significance (P=0.48). Regarding mortality, there was no significant statistical difference between the intervention group and the control (P=0.93). CONCLUSION: Based on the evidence available, this meta-analysis is consistent with the hypothesis that perioperative ONS can help elderly patients recover after hip surgery and reduce complications.