[Total parenteral and enteral nutrition in general surgical practice]

The author presents some statistical data analyzing 10 years' experience with the administration of complete parenteral and enteral nutrition at the surgical department of a hospital with policlinic type II. Data on 238 patients receiving special nutrition are discussed in the context of general practice in an attempt to generalize them. The author confirms the need to develop in particular supplementary forms, short-term and medium-long parenteral nutrition and combined nutrition which correspond best to conditions of general practice. It is assumed that within the next few years in general surgical practice complete parenteral and enteral nutrition may be foreseen in 1% of hospitalized patients and in 2% of operated patients resp. per year. The author recommends to use metabolic surgical units to achieve maximum effectiveness of specialized, material, technical and organizational components of parenteral and enteral nutrition.