Early vs Postponed Parenteral Nutrition After Emergency Abdominal Surgery

Launched by COPENHAGEN UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL AT HERLEV · Oct 13, 2023

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying the best timing for starting parenteral nutrition, which is a way to provide nutrition through a vein, after emergency abdominal surgery. Specifically, it looks at whether starting this nutrition on the second day after surgery (early) is better than waiting until the fifth day (postponed) for patients who aren't able to eat enough after their surgery. The goal is to help patients reach their nutritional needs more effectively during recovery.

To take part in this study, participants must be over 18 years old, have undergone an emergency surgery through a midline incision, and be unable to eat enough (less than 30% of their needed calories) by the second day after surgery. Participants will be randomly assigned to either the early or postponed nutrition group, and the nutrition will continue until they can eat at least 70% of their required calories on their own. This trial is currently looking for volunteers, and it’s important to note that certain individuals, such as those with specific health conditions or pregnant women, cannot participate.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Age \> 18
• • Emergency primary midline laparotomy or laparoscopy
• • NRS-2002 (nutritional risk screening) score \< 7
• • No contraindications for oral or enteral nutrition after surgery
• • Unable to tolerate or take in at least 50% of calculated calorie requirement on postoperative day 2
• • Capable of providing informed consent at the time of inclusion
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Laparotomy without closure of the abdominal aponeurosis
• • Laparoscopic appendectomy or cholecystectomy as the procedure
• • Limiting mental or psychiatric disorders rendering participation unethical or unrealistic
• • Patients with a very limited expected remaining time of living (\< 3 months)
• • NRS-2002 = 7
• • Pregnant or breastfeeding women
• • Refusal to participate