Perioperative omega-3 fatty acids for liver surgery A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Introduction: The effect of perioperative omega-3 fatty acids for liver surgery remained controversial. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to explore the influence of omega-3 fatty acids versus placebo in patients undergoing liver surgery. Methods: We have searched PubMed, EMbase, Web of science, EBSCO, and Cochrane library databases through May 2020, and included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) assessing the effect of omega-3 fatty acids versus placebo for liver surgery. This meta-analysis was performed using the random-effect model. Results: Five RCTs were included in the meta-analysis. Overall, compared with control group for liver surgery, omega-3 fatty acids were associated with substantially reduced incidence of infection (odd ratio [OR]=0.56; 95% confidence interval [CI] =0.34-0.91; P = .02), but revealed no remarkable influence on complications (OR = 0.60; 95% CI = 0.29-1.24; P = .17), mortality (OR = 0.76; 95% CI = 0.06-9.37; P = .83), liver failure (OR = 0.72; 95% CI = 0.10 to 5.00; P = 0.74), biliary leakage (OR=1.24; 95% CI = 0.41 to 3.76; P = .70), bleeding (OR = 1.76; 95% CI = 0.63-4.95; P = .28), or ileus (OR = 0.39; 95% CI = 0.07-2.05; P = .27). Conclusion: Perioperative omega-3 fatty acids may be beneficial to reduce the incidence of infection after liver surgery.

Automated summary

The meta-analysis showed that perioperative omega-3 fatty acids may be beneficial in reducing the incidence of infection after liver surgery, but did not have a significant impact on complications, mortality, liver failure, biliary leakage, bleeding, or ileus.