Effects of enteral and total parenteral nutrition on length of stay in intensive care unit in postoperative period

Abstract

Patients post-operatively followed in intensive care units in are known to have high morbidity and mortality rates. The aim of the present study was to compare the effects of enteral versus total parenteral nutrition for length of ICU stay in postoperative patients. Nutritional support for patients were divided into two groups; enteral nutrition (Group E) total parenteral administered (Group P). Demographic findings, APACHE II score and serum albumin levels were determined in the preoperative period in both groups of patients. In both groups were recorded type of operation and blood transfusion during the operation. Gas, fecal discharge time in the postoperative period, of patients in groups and, postoperative day 7th, serum albumin, and serum C-reactive protein (CRP), length of stay intensive care unit and mortality rates were determined. Abdominal cramps, the tension in the abdomen, nausea and diarrhea in patients in group E were accepted as complications of enteral nutrition. In this study were included group E 89, group P 82 patients. Between groups were similar demographic features, APACHE II score and serum albumin levels. Both groups was not significant difference operation type, operation time and blood transfusion. Postoperative gas discharge and fecal discharge were significantly difference earlier period in Group E (p <0.05). In terms of the serum albumin and CRP levels were not significant difference between groups postoperative day 7th. Gastrointestinal complications was detected in Group E 58.5% and in Group P 28.9%. Both groups showed two patients mortality in postoperative period. The median length of ICU stay was shorter Group E versus Group P in postoperative period (p <0.05). In the postoperative period the implementation of enteral nutrition was associated with the decreased length of ICU stay and recovered earlier gastrointestinal function. We thought that enteral nutrition support can be used safely and priority postoperative patients in ICU.