Importance of Enteral Feeding: Enhancing Patient Care through Interventional Radiology

Enteral feeding plays a vital role for patients who are unable to meet their nutritional needs through oral intake, providing benefit to those with conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease, postsurgical recovery, chronic dysphagia, dysfunctional gastrointestinal tract, and critical illness. The role of interventional radiologists in enteral access is expanding, reflecting our pivotal role in nutritional support in clinical practice. This review explores the development, comparative benefits, and clinical outcomes associated with enteral nutrition (EN), highlighting its strengths and weaknesses as compared to parenteral nutrition (PN). EN supports gut mucosal health and immune function by stimulating gastrointestinal systems' native cellular programs, while reducing infection risks compared to PN. Modern advancements in EN formulations and delivery methods have enhanced patient care, demonstrating improved survival rates, reduced hospital stays, and improved quality of life.