Objective To understand the research progress on micronutrient deficiency after gastrectomy for gastric cancer in order to provide a new ideas for its prevention and treatment. Method The literature on reseach relevant micronutrient deficiency after gastrectomy for gastric cancer in recent years at home and abroad was searched and reviewed. Results The micronutrient deficiency after partial or total gastrectomy was more common for the patients with gastric cancer, especially some key nutrients such as iron, zinc, copper, fat soluble vitamins (vitamins A, D, E), vitamin B₁₂, folate, and so on. The main reason for the micronutrient deficiency was due to the changes of the anatomical structure or physiological function of the gastrointestinal tract caused by surgery, as most micronutrients were absorbed through the duodenum or jejunum, bypassing the main absorption site of micronutrients after total or partial gastrectomy; In addition, preoperative malnutrition, neoadjuvant therapy, early and late postoperative complications, as well as postoperative adjuvant therapy, and reduced gastric acid secretion, might all lead to the micronutrient absorption disorders. There was also limited literature on the micronutrient supplementation after gastrectomy for gastric cancer, but some researchers still supported providing nutritional support before and after surgery for the gastric cancer patients with severe malnutrition. There was few literature reported on the adverse consequences of nutritional support for the gastric cancer patients underwent gastrectomy. Conclusions At present, there is still limited literature on the study of micronutrient deficiency and supplementation after gastrectomy for gastric cancer. With the increasing attention of clinician to the impact of micronutrients on diseases or health, the European Society for Extraintestinal and Enteral Nutrition developed the “ESPEN micronutrition guidelines” in 2022 and “Expert consensus on micronutrients deficiency and supplementation in malignant tumors” was published in China at 2024. In the current situation where relevant research is insufficient, it is recommended that clinicians refer to this guideline or expert consensus and provide personalized intervention for patients with micronutrient deficiencies based on their clinical conditions.

Citation： XU Zhaowan, DONG Bo. Research progress on micronutrient deficiency after gastrectomy for gastric cancer. CHINESE JOURNAL OF BASES AND CLINICS IN GENERAL SURGERY, 2024, 31(9): 1135-1140. doi: 10.7507/1007-9424.202404072 Copy