TOTAL PARENTERAL NUTRITION.

Total parenteral nutrition has been used in clinical practice for over a quarter of a century. It has revolutionized the management of potentially fatal condition like the short bowel syndrome in infants as well as adults. Refinements in techniques have led to development of sophisticated catheters and delivery systems. Better understanding of human nutrition and metabolic processes has lead to formulation of scientific parenteral solutions to suit specific situations. This article addresses the role of total parenteral nutrition in modern surgical practice.