OBJECTIVETo evaluate the feasibility and efficacy of enteral nutrition (EN) in patients underwent open-abdomen managements.

METHODSTwenty-one patients who received at least 3 days of EN after opening the peritoneal cavity between January 2003 and November 2006 were included in this study. Energy expenditure and actual caloric and protein intake were determined in some patients. The levels of serum protein and nitrogen balance before and after the EN were analyzed. Other related complications were also evaluated.

RESULTSAverage daily total caloric intake was 93% - 95% of estimated needs. The EN support was administered (8.8 +/- 5.5) d after opening the abdominal cavity and lasted for (51.5 +/- 33.6) d. Initial serum protein levels were low and below normal but increased in all of the patients after the EN. The average nitrogen balance was (-28.6 +/- 5.4) g/d. Diarrhea, gastric reflux, vomiting and abdominal distention occurred in 67%, 23%, 9.5% and 23% of the patients, respectively. All the complications were managed well.

CONCLUSIONSEN support could be effectively and safely given in patients requiring opening peritoneal cavity management.