POSITIVE NITROGEN BALANCE AND THE PREVENTION OF ILEUS IN THE IMMEDIATE POSTOPERATIVE PERIOD.

A solution to the problems of nitrogen balance and ileus in the postoperative period is presented. A new three-lumen nasogastric tube (Moss decompression tube) was used in three patients on whom aortic grafts were carried out and in five who underwent cholecystectomy, and these patients are compared to control groups. The use of this tube prevents postoperative ileus and permits the feeding of patients, by the enteral route, as early as two hours after operation in some instances. A positive nitrogen balance was achieved as early as four hours after operation. In control groups, positive nitrogen balance could not be obtained until six to 10 days postoperatively. Weight loss was prevented and hospital stay considerably reduced. The use of the Moss decompression tube prevents postoperative ileus and permits early enteral feeding obtaining, in a matter of hours, a positive nitrogen balance.