Related Experiment Videos
Distal decompression and proximal feeding for nutritional support during bowel obstruction.
JPEN. Journal of Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition
|November 1, 1978
Summary
Nutritional support with elemental diets proximal to long tube decompression can aid patients with chronic intermittent bowel obstruction. This method helps maintain weight and provides essential nutrients while awaiting resolution or surgical evaluation.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Surgical Nutrition
Background:
- Acute mechanical intestinal obstruction typically requires prompt surgical intervention.
- Nutritional support is crucial for patients with chronic or intermittent bowel obstruction.
- Elemental diets offer a method for nutritional support in specific gastrointestinal conditions.
Observation:
- Eleven patients with chronic intermittent bowel obstruction (including radiated small bowel, inflammatory bowel disease exacerbation, intra-abdominal phlegmon, and motility issues) were studied.
- Patients received nutritional support via continuous elemental diet administration proximal to long tube decompression.
- Initial observation focused on intestinal viability and fluid/electrolyte stabilization.
Findings:
- All eleven patients maintained or gained body weight during nutritional support.
- Average daily intake was 1,873 calories and 12.6 gm nitrogen.
- Six out of eleven patients ultimately required surgical intervention.
Implications:
- Proximal feeding with elemental diets and distal decompression is a viable nutritional strategy for select patients with chronic intermittent bowel obstruction.
- This approach can be used while awaiting spontaneous resolution or for preoperative optimization.
- Careful patient selection and controlled administration are key to avoiding complications.