BACKGROUND: The aim of this trial was to compare multimodal optimization with conventional perioperative management in a consecutive series of patients undergoing gastrectomy procedures. METHODS: According to randomized controlled studies and conclusions made by meta-analyses in colorectal surgery, optimized perioperative measures were designed and applied in gastrectomy surgery. Thirty-three patients were randomized to the optimized group and 30 patients to a control group. Two groups were treated in 1 center by a single surgical team in different wards. Both groups used patient-controlled intravenous analgesia for postoperative analgesia. The primary end point was length of postoperative hospital stay. Secondary outcomes included bowel function recovery after surgery, perioperative changes of inflammatory factors, glucocorticoid, insulin resistance, and body composition. Perioperative complications and adverse events were also recorded. RESULTS: The groups were similar in terms of age, sex ratio, and Physiological and Operative Severity Score for the enUmeration of Mortality and morbidity (POSSUM score). The optimized group was associated with a significantly shorter postoperative hospital stay compared with the conventional care group (p < 0.001). Durations of urinary catheterization and abdominal drainage were also less (p < 0.001). The diet program in the optimization group was well tolerated and was associated with an earlier recovery of gut function (p < 0.001). Proinflammatory factors were less elevated and body composition was more stable in the optimized group than in controls. There were no differences in morbidity or mortality between the groups. CONCLUSIONS: Optimization of care in gastrectomy can shorten postoperative hospital stay and provides multiple beneficial outcomes, including hastening the return of gut function, without increasing morbidity.

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