Micronutrient deficiencies and anemia in the follow-up after gastroesophageal cancer surgery

Due to insufficient dietary intake and altered digestion and absorption of nutrients, patients after gastroesophageal cancer surgery are at risk of becoming malnourished and consequently develop micronutrient deficiencies. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of micronutrient deficiencies and anemia during follow-up after gastroesophageal cancer surgery. This single-center cross-sectional study included patients after resection for esophageal or gastric cancer visiting the outpatient clinic in 2016 and 2017. Only patients without signs of recurrent disease were included. All patients were guided by a dietician in the pre- and postoperative phase. Dietary supplements or enteral tube feeding was prescribed in case of inadequate dietary intake. Blood samples were examined for possible deficiencies or abnormalities in hemoglobin, prothrombin time, iron, ferritin, folic acid, calcium, zinc, vitamin A, vitamin B1, vitamin B6, vitamin B12, vitamin D and vitamin E. The percentage of patients with micronutrient deficiencies were scored. Of the 335 patients visiting the outpatient clinic, measurements were performed in 263 patients (221 after esophagectomy and 42 after gastrectomy), resulting in an inclusion rate of 79%. In the esophagectomy group, deficiencies in iron (36%), vitamin D (33%) and zinc (20%) were most prevalent. After gastric resection, deficiencies were most frequently observed in vitamin D (52%), iron (33%), zinc (28%) and ferritin (17%). Low levels of hemoglobin were found in 21% of patients after esophagectomy and 24% after gastrectomy. Despite active nutritional guidance, deficiencies in vitamin D, iron, zinc and ferritin, as well as low levels of hemoglobin, are frequently observed following gastroesophageal resection for cancer. These micronutrients should be periodically checked during follow-up and supplemented if needed.