Update on Feeding the Open Abdomen in the Trauma Patient

AbstractPurpose of ReviewDescribe how and when nutrition for trauma patients should be provided after damage control laparotomy.Recent FindingsEarly enteral nutrition is a requisite component of open abdomen critical care support to achieve optimal outcomes. Providing trophic enteral nutrition is beneficial. Enteral nutrition with an open abdomen complicated by enteroatmospheric fistula is safe and feasible.SummaryEnteral nutrition is initiated with resolution of acidosis, coagulopathy, and hypothermia. Absent intestinal discontinuity, the only absolute contraindication, enteral nutrition is started as soon as possible via any standard route of enteral access. Post-pyloric access should be trialed in patients intolerant to gastric feeds. Parenteral nutrition is considered if an absolute contraindication to enteral nutrition is expected to persist beyond 5 –7 days, the patient is intolerant to enteral nutrition, or caloric goal is not achieved with enteral nutrition after 5–7 days. Protein requirements for the OA patient are higher, 2 g/Kg/day.
Source: Current Surgery Reports - Category: Surgery Source Type: research