Effects of perioperative ω-3 fish oil fat emulsion on postoperative gastric emptying function following Roux-en-Y reconstruction for gastric cancer

Purpose: Despite standardized surgical techniques, delayed gastric emptying (DGE) remains a major complication after Roux-en-Y reconstruction in patients with gastric cancer. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of omega-3 fish oil fat emulsion in reducing DGE incidence and improving postoperative outcomes. Methods: In this retrospective cohort study, 210 patients undergoing radical gastrectomy with Roux-en-Y reconstruction (Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, 2018-2020) were stratified into 2 groups: the intervention group (n = 139) received parenteral nutrition (PN) with omega-3 fish oil emulsion (0.2 g/kg/d), whereas controls (n = 71) received standard PN. DGE diagnosis required persistent symptoms (> 72 h postoperatively) and objective evidence of impaired motility (computed tomography contrast retention >= 50% at 4 h or scintigraphic T 1/2 > 90 min), excluding mechanical obstructions (luminal stenosis < 8 mm). Results: The w-3 group exhibited significantly lower DGE incidence (4.3% vs 15.5%; P =.005) and shorter median postoperative hospital stay (10 vs 13 days; P < .001). Multivariate analysis identified w-3 supplementation as an independent protective factor against DGE (odds ratio, 0.32; 95% CI, 0.11-0.96; P =.042). Symptom severity (Gastroparesis Cardinal Symptom Index) showed progressive improvement in the w-3 cohort, with significant reductions in nausea and vomiting scores by week 4 (P < .05). Conclusion: Perioperative omega-3 fish oil fat emulsion supplementation reduces DGE risk by 71%, accelerates recovery, and improves surgical outcomes in patients with gastric cancer undergoing Roux-en-Y reconstruction. These findings support its integration into enhanced recovery protocols, particularly in high-risk populations. (c) 2025 Society for Surgery of the Alimentary Tract. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights are reserved, including those for text and data mining, AI training, and similar technologies.