[Total parenteral nutrition in surgery]

Following a number of general remarks regarding the metabolic physiopathology of the surgical patient, the indications and biochemical premises for total parenteral nutrition are examined. Stress is also labor, on problems of administration routes and modalities and on the chemico-clinical controls needed to weigh up the technique. Finally, the results of personal experience in the treatment of 16 patients whose prevalent pathology consist of necrotico-haemorrhagic A.P. and its sequelae are reported. The usefulness of the technique is confirmed because it offers interesting results in difficult and often dramatic surgical situations.