Finally, we prospectively randomized 31 liver transplant patients to receive either immediate posttransplant TF or intravenous hydration. 11 Tube feeding was initiated 12 hours posttransplant in 14 liver transplant patients via a nasointestinal tube, which did not cause any major complications. All patients began eating by approximately the third postoperative day. Tube-fed patients had superior nutrient intakes for the first 5 to 6 days posttransplant and better nitrogen balance on day 4 posttransplant. In addition, there was a trend for fewer tube-fed patients to have a bacterial or any type of infection compared with controls.
Adequate nutrition is vital for the recovery of transplant recipients.
Placement of nasointestinal feeding tubes during surgery alleviates problems and delays in providing enteral feeding access during the immediate posttransplant period. The effect of nutritional status on length of stay and clinical outcomes following liver transplantation. Degree of preoperative malnutrition is predictive of postoperative morbidity and mortality in liver transplant recipients. Johnson LR, Copeland EM, Dudrick SJ, et al. Structural and hormonal alterations in the gastrointestinal tract of parenterally fed rats.