[Protein oriented peripheral venous nutrition following surgical trauma]

In the postoperative state, hypercaloric parenteral nutrition is not indicated in every patient where enteral nutrition is not feasible. Low caloric protein oriented peripheral venous parenteral feeding might be an alternative nutritional regimen in moderate catabolic postoperative states. In a prospective study, 18 females received a completed nutritional solution during 4 days postoperatively following major colon surgery. The solution contained 80 g Sorbitol, 40 g Xylitol, 70 g amino acids and electrolytes (700 kcal/day). A slightly negative nitrogen balance with daily losses of about 4 g of N were observed. Routine biochemical data did not change compared to preoperative values. Plasma free amino acid homeostasis has been maintained so that conditions for optimal utilisation of the infused nutrients were given. No general side effects could be observed. This protein oriented nutritional solution may be recommended for hypocaloric peripheral venous nutrition in moderate catabolic states.