[Value of total parenteral nutrition after total pancreatectomy]

The authors report 5 cases of Total Pancreatectomy (T.P.) treated with Total Parenteral Nutrition (T.P.N.) in which the non-protein calorie supply consisted of lipids and carbohydrates ("dual energy system"). This form of nutrition, which provided a high energy supply with a reduced glucose intake, prevented the problems associated with hypertonic glucose solutions in the unstable diabetes which follows total pancreatectomy. The authors compared these cases with an earlier series of 11 cases of Total pancreatectomy who were not treated with Total Parenteral Nutrition and observed that the patients treated with TPN had a better recovery, a better glucose homeostasis, a reduction in the complications and mortality and a decreased length of stay in hospital.