Enteral and parenteral nutrition in patients with enteric fistulas and short bowel syndrome.

Significant advances in the use of enteral and parenteral nutrition in patients with either enteric fistulas or short bowel syndrome include increased usage of enteral nutrition because of its trophic effects on the gut and increased usage of both enteral and parenteral nutrition in the home setting. Current investigations are directed toward identifying gut-specific fuels and dietary and pharmacologic enhancement of nutrient utilization.