Nutritional management of a complicated surgical patient by means of fistuloclysis

  • Anna-Lena Du Toit
Keywords: fistuloclysis, nutritional management, complicated surgical patient

Abstract

A fistula is defined as an abnormal communication between two organs, an organ and the skin, or an organ and a wound.1 Up to 70% of patients with fistulae present with malnutrition.1 Enteral nutrition (EN) has considerable advantages over parenteral nutrition (PN) support, including improved gut barrier function, a reduction in infectious morbidity and improved immune function.2 EN support remains the preferred route of nutrition support in patients with fistulae, unless it causes a significant increase in fistula output, abdominal pain or exacerbates diarrhoea.1 Fistuloclysis, i.e. enteral feeding via an intestinal fistula, is an effective means of providing nutritional support to these patients and can replace the need for PN support.3

Author Biography

Anna-Lena Du Toit
BSc(Dietietcs) Chief Dietitian Groote Schuur Hospital Cape Town
Published
2014-11-28
How to Cite
Du Toit, A.-L. (2014). Nutritional management of a complicated surgical patient by means of fistuloclysis. South African Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 27(4), 230-236. Retrieved from http://sajcn.redbricklibrary.com/index.php/SAJCN/article/view/924
Section
SASPEN Case Study