Total parenteral nutrition by peripheral venous infusion in patients with oesophageal carcinoma

The safety and efficacy of pre-operative intravenous feeding using a peripheral venous infusion technique was evaluated in 15 black patients with oesophageal carcinoma. Energy requirements were based on individual energy expenditure at rest calculated from oxygen consumption and the respiratory quotient. Patients received 7 600 non-protein kJ and 9,4 g nitrogen daily for 14 days. Although no measurable improvements in nutritional status were noted after intravenous feeding, peripheral venous alimentation using the dual energy system proved an effective method of preventing progressive weight loss and depletion of the lean body cell mass. The infusion technique was safe and without serious metabolic or infectious complications. Total parenteral nutrition by peripheral venous infusion is a viable alternative to the central venous approach in patients with oesophageal carcinoma when their clinical and metabolic status demands early establishment of a positive nitrogen balance.