Parenteral hyperalimentation and wound healing

In the first five postoperative days following abdominoperineal resection, two groups of five patients were treated by infusion therapy following two schedules: 11.9 calories per kilogram per day and 0.042 gram of nitrogen per kilogram per day, and 53.8 calories per kilogram per day and 0.244 gram of nitrogen per kilogram per day. Nitrogen balance was determined, and the wound collagen content was evaluated by biopsies carried out on the second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth, ninth, 12th and 15th postoperative days. It was noted that in group 2 patients nitrogen balance was rather equilibrated and the quantity of collagen in the granulation tissue was higher than in group 1. Postoperative parenteral hyperalimentation spares a good quantity of nitrogen and can facilitate wound healing.