Does peripheral hypocaloric parenteral nutrition benefit the postoperative patient? Results of a multicentric...

To study the potential benefits of hypocaloric peripheral parenteral nutrition (HPPN) in medium to high risk surgical patients we compared this regimen with standard fluid therapy during the postoperative period. Seventy patients were randomised to receive HPPN, consisting of 1 g of amino acids and 2 g of polyols (sorbitol and xylitol) per Kg per day (n = 41), or 1500 ml of 5% glucose and 1500 ml of saline (n = 29). There were no differences in length of hospital stay, postoperative complications or weight loss between the two groups. Concentrations of short and long half-life plasma proteins were similar in both groups. Nitrogen balance was negative and the nitrogen retention was low (60%) in the HPPN group. We conclude that there are no discernible clinical advantages in giving HPPN postoperatively to patients undergoing medium or major severity elective surgery.