Whey Protein and Carbohydrates in ERAS for Recovery After Thyroidectomy: A Cohort Study

Overview

Exploring the effects of whey protein combined with carbohydrates in an Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) protocol on the postoperative recovery of thyroid cancer patients undergoing lateral neck dissection, aiming to provide more precise research and guidance for the perioperative accelerated recovery plan in such patients. The goal is to accelerate postoperative recovery and reduce postoperative complications for thyroid cancer patients undergoing neck dissection.

Perioperative dietary management was differentiated between the two groups: Experimental Group: 6 hours before surgery, patients orally consumed 250 ml of a full-nutrition liquid (220 ml homogenized diet, 50 g; containing 31.4 g carbohydrates, 8 g protein, and 215 kcal). 2 hours before surgery, patients orally consumed 200 ml of a clear liquid (50 g enzymatically hydrolyzed rice powder + 0.5 g low-sodium salt; containing 47.7 g carbohydrates, 6.5 g whey protein, and 193 kcal). After surgery, once there were no symptoms such as dizziness or vomiting, patients could start consuming clear liquids (containing 47.7 g carbohydrates, 6.5 g protein, and 221 kcal) orally every 30 minutes, 4 times on the day of surgery. Starting from the first day after surgery, patients consumed 200 ml of fat-free nutritional liquid (50 g enzymatically hydrolyzed rice powder + 7.5 g isolated whey protein + 0.5 g low-sodium salt; 223 kcal) per serving, 4 to 6 times per day as needed. Control Group: Patients fasted for 12 hours before surgery, and after surgery, intravenous fluids were administered. Fat-free diet began after 24 hours post-surgery. Discharge Criteria: The discharge time was determined by the surgeon based on the patient's postoperative drainage condition and the presence or absence of complications.