Introduction/Background The literature shows that 20–70% of patients are malnourished and this is more common in elderly patients. Studies have found that patients with malnutrition have poor quality of life, poor physical functioning and low body mass index. Our aim was to investigate the effect of nutritional support on postoperative well-being and quality of life in gynecologic oncology patients.

Methodology This retrospective study included cases operated between August 2022 and December 2023. They were divided into two groups as those who received preoperative nutritional support and those who did not. Then, according to the nutritional risk index (NRS-2002), they were divided into two subgroups as low risk and high risk. Demographic data, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, and EORTC QLQ-C30 form, postoperative wound healing status and urinary tract infection, preoperative and postoperative laboratory test results were analyzed. A total of at least 104 patients, at least 26 in each group, with a 5% significance level, 80% power and Cohen’s d=0.8 pair-wise according to NRS 2002, were included.

Results Of the total 215 patients included in the study, 99 patients who received nutrition (low risk=62 and high risk=37) and 116 patients who did not receive nutrition (low risk=81 and high risk=35) were analyzed. No statistical difference was found between the demographic data, NRS 2002 score and vital signs of the patients. There was a significant difference in wound healing time (p=0.020), postoperative hemoglobulin (p=0.001), lower CRP (p=0.044), ferritin (p=0.001) and albumin (p=0.001) levels, which were better in patients receiving nutritional support. It was also associated with lower levels of depression (p=0.001) and anxiety (p=0.001). Furthermore, higher functional status was associated with lower symptom scores (p>0.05).

Conclusion Nutritional support in gynecologic oncology has a positive effect on well-being, quality of life and postoperative recovery, especially in patients with low nutritional risk index.

Disclosures The authors declare that they have no conflicts of interests. No sources of financial support are declared.