The nutritional effects of endoscopic intubation for carcinoma of the oesophagus or cardia.

Abstract The nutritional status in 17 patients with unresectable carcinoma of the oesophagus or cardia was assessed before and one month after endoscopic intubation by measurement of body weight, triceps skinfold thickness, midarm circumference and serum albumin concentration. There was a significant increase in dietary energy intake and weight loss was arrested in 10 patients. A weight gain of 3 kg or more was recorded in six cases of which two put on 8.4 and 9.4 kg respectively with concommitant increases in midarm circumference. It is concluded that endoscopic intubation of carcinoma of the oesophagus or cardia commonly benefits nutritional status by relieving dysphagia.