Objective:

To investigate dynamic changes in serum albumin, prealbumin, and retinol-binding protein levels before and after surgery in head and neck cancer patients, and evaluate the effects of intensive nutritional intervention on postoperative recovery.

Approach:

• Study Design: Retrospective analysis of 200 patients with head and neck malignancies who underwent surgery, divided into control and intervention groups.
• Nutritional Support: Control group received conventional nutritional support; intervention group received intensive nutritional intervention.
• Measurements: Serum levels of ALB, PA, and RBP were measured preoperatively and on postoperative day 7, alongside inflammatory markers and recovery indicators.

Key Findings:

• One week after surgery, the intervention group showed higher levels of ALB, PA, and RBP compared with the control group (p < 0.05).
• CRP and NLR levels were significantly lower in the intervention group (p < 0.05).
• The intervention group had a shorter time to first oral intake and shorter hospital stay (p < 0.05).
• Higher rates of energy and protein target achievement were observed in the intervention group on postoperative days 3 and 7 (p < 0.05).
• PA and RBP were more sensitive indicators for dynamic perioperative nutritional assessment than ALB.

Interpretation:

Intensive nutritional intervention improved perioperative nutritional status, reduced inflammatory response, and enhanced early postoperative recovery in patients with head and neck malignancies.

Limitations:

• Single-center study may limit generalizability.
• Retrospective design may introduce selection bias.

Conclusion:

Intensive nutritional intervention is associated with improved nutritional biomarkers and recovery outcomes in head and neck cancer patients post-surgery.