Total parenteral nutrition, An important therapeutic advance

Total parenteral nutrition (TPN) is a potent form of therapy. It is particularly useful in patients who must undergo surgery or those with conditions that preclude normal feeding. The procedure is not without risk, but better understanding of the basic principles involved, refinements in technique, and experience with its use in different situations have combined to improve the results of therapy over those first obtained. TPN represents an important therapeutic advance and emphasizes the need for an undertanding of nutritional principles by physicians and for a team approach to the management of complicated conditions.