Enteral nutrition and surgical patient

Abstract

Enteral nutrition can be applicated alone or in combination with parenteral nutrition. Enteral feeding should be applicated as early as possible in preoperative preparation or in postoperative period in respect of contraindications and everyday evaluation of patients. Immunomodulatory substances like arginine, 3-omega-fat acids, ribonucleic acid and glutamine are incorporated in "ready to use" solution for enteral feeding. Enteral feedings oral or via tubes are safe if some precautions are taken: like sitting position and control of feeding tubes position. Use of jejunostomy and promotility agents improved enteral feeding after major abdominal surgery and acute pancreatitis. Enteral feeding and immunonutrition improved postoperative course in reduction of hospital stay, incidence of postoperative complications especially infections. The aim of this review article is to validate pro and con for enteral nutrition in preoperative and postoperative course.