Jensen, M. B., & Hessov, I. (1997). Randomization to nutritional intervention at home did not improve postoperative function, fatigue or well-being. British Journal of Surgery, 84, 113–118.

Postoperative fatigue and deterioration in functional capacity have been correlated with postoperative weight loss. Nutritional support to enhance the regain of weight may be beneficial to convalescence.

Patients received soy protein supplements and dietician home visits and traveled five times during the 180 days in the postoperative period after discharge.

The study included 32 patients undergoing elective colorectal surgery; 22 (69%) had cancer.

The study was conducted in a community setting in Denmark.

Patients were undergoing the active treatment, postoperative phase of care.

This was a randomized trial with a usual care comparison group; patients and investigators were not blinded to treatment assignment.

• Ordinal fatigue scale (1–10) 
• General Well-Being (GWB)
• Quality of Life Index (QLI)
• Quality of life visual analog scale (VAS)
• Lambert Disability Screening Q (body care, mobility, sensory, social)
• Functional measures of hand grip
• Forced Expiratory Volume (FEV₁)

The intervention group consumed significantly more protein than the control group. The intervention group slowly gained weight (p = 0.005) and body mass (p = 0.002) compared to the control group. Both groups had comparable scores for fatigue, functional status, and disability at discharge, 160 days, and the conclusion of the evaluation period.

• The study had a small sample size.
• Outcome assessors were not blinded to treatment condition.