Selecting the most appropriate route of feeding

Nutritional support in gastrointestinal surgery: an overview

Nutritional status is important in determining the outcome of surgical patients. This is particularly so in patients undergoing gastrointestinal (GI) surgical procedures. It is important for the GI surgeon to be always aware that he has to assess the nutritional status of his patient, provide supplementation when required and have the means to get enteral and/or parenteral access when required. He must have the knowledge to choose the right route and formula for nutritional support. This evidence-based review gives an overview of the subject with the purpose of increasing awareness about the science of surgical nutrition.

Who benefits from nutritional support: what is the evidence?

Nutritional support, including oral nutritional supplements, enteral tube feeding and parenteral nutrition, can be an important part of the management of any patient. Malnutrition is common and costly, clinically and financially, if left untreated. In patients with, or at risk of, malnutrition, the appropriate use of nutritional support can prevent complications arising, produce other clinical, functional and financial benefits, and can be life saving in some situations. This article discusses the evidence from systematic reviews and meta-analyses of the effectiveness of nutritional support.