Define Nutrition Support in Postoperative Nutritional Care?
Aggressive nutritional support is important to avoid postoperative complications and mortality. Routine postoperative intravenous fluids are given to meet hydration needs and provide electrolytes but cannot meet the high nutritional needs. Majority of general surgery patients, therefore, should progress to oral feedings as soon as possible to provide adequate nutrition. In case of major tissue damage or trauma, or when a patient is unable to take sufficient oral feeds, parentera1 feeding must be done.
A high amount of glucose, amino acids, electrolytes, minerals and vitamins have to be provided. As soon as intestinal peristalsis returns, water and clear fluids such as tea, coffee and juice may be given to supply fluids and electrolytes. These fluids help stimulate normal gastrointestinal function and return to a normal, nutritionally balanced diet. With improvement, milk and milk products, pudding, cream soups and high protein beverages should be started. Progression to solid feeds in the form of soft or regular diets should be done with improved tolerance.