[Immediate postoperative enteral tube feeding following resection of the large intestine. Experiences with a controlled clinical study].

In a prospective randomized study 40 patients after elective colonic surgery were investigated to assess the value of early postoperative enteral feeding versus parenteral feeding. Twenty patients received from the first postoperative day until the sixth postoperative morning a diet consisting of carbohydrates, fat, and short-chain peptides via a fine bore feeding tube placed in the proximal jejunum. Twenty patients of the control group were treated with standard intravenous fluids consisting of carbohydrates and aminoacids via infusion into a central vein. The general condition of the enterally fed patients was satisfactory, the diet was tolerated well and severe side-effects were not seen. The metabolic parameters showed no severe disturbance, a positive nitrogen balance was achieved within the second postoperative day. Body composition measurements were similar in both groups. The enteral route for the application of nutrients is a definite alternative to parenteral nutrition in patients after elective colonic surgery.