Oral Protein Supplements for Nutritional and Quality of Life Improvement After Pancreatic Resection in Elderly Patients

Participants in this group received an oral protein supplement providing 18g of protein per day. The supplement was administered postoperatively and continued throughout the study period. The goal was to assess the impact of protein supplementation on protein intake, nutritional status, quality of life, muscle mass, muscle strength, and 10-meter gait speed. These outcomes were measured at three specific time points: before surgery, at discharge, and during the outpatient visit.

Participants in this group received a placebo supplement containing carbohydrates instead of protein, which was identical in appearance and taste to the protein supplement to maintain the study's double-blind design. The placebo was administered postoperatively and continued throughout the study period. The aim was to serve as a control to evaluate the effects of the protein supplement on outcomes including nutrient intake, nutritional status, quality of life, muscle mass, muscle strength, and 10-meter gait speed, measured at three key time points: before surgery, at discharge, and during the outpatient visit.