Intravenous hydration versus naso-jejunal enteral feeding after esophagectomy: a randomised study.
OBJECTIVE
Patients undergoing esophagectomy are typically nutritionally depleted and cannot establish oral feeding for up to a week after surgery. We have investigated the routine use of enteral feeding via a naso-jejunal tube.


METHODS
Forty consecutive patients undergoing a transthoracic esophagectomy for cancer were randomised to receive enteral feeding or intravenous crystalloid fluids after surgery. Nutritional indices were obtained prior to surgery and on the 7th post-operative day.


RESULTS
There were no post-operative deaths. Non-fatal complications occurred in 10 patients, without difference in morbidity between the two groups. Lean body mass did not change in either group over the study period. No differences in any other parameters were identified between the two groups.


CONCLUSIONS
Enteral feeding via a naso-jejunal tube is safe and well tolerated after esophagectomy. It is a simple method of providing nutritional support prior to the re-introduction of oral feeding. However it provides no measurable benefit over intravenous hydration only for patients undergoing routine esophagectomy.
Page
Richard D
RD
Department of Thoracic Surgery, The Cardiothoracic Centre, Thomas Drive, Liverpool L14 3PE, UK. rihard.page@ccl-tr.nwest.nhs.uk
Oo
Aung Y
AY
Russell
Glen N
GN
Pennefather
Stephen H
SH
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000077324:Crystalloid Solutions; D004750:Enteral Nutrition / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D004938:Esophageal Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery*; D016629:Esophagectomy / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D005440:Fluid Therapy; D006801:Humans; D007552:Isotonic Solutions; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009752:Nutritional Status; D010952:Plasma Substitutes / Q000627:therapeutic use; D011182:Postoperative Care / Q000379:methods*; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D015532:Rehydration Solutions / Q000627:therapeutic use
D000077324:Crystalloid Solutions; D007552:Isotonic Solutions; D010952:Plasma Substitutes; D015532:Rehydration Solutions