Enteral nutrition (EN)

- Enteral nutrition (EN) is the delivery of nutrients directly into the gastrointestinal (GI) tract through a tube, catheter, or stoma.

- EN is indicated for patients who have a functional GI tract but are unable to meet their nutritional needs orally due to impaired swallowing, anorexia, facial trauma, oral cancer, etc.

- EN is contraindicated for patients who have a nonfunctional or inaccessible GI tract due to obstruction, ileus, peritonitis, severe diarrhea, vomiting, etc.

- EN has several advantages over parenteral nutrition (PN), such as lower cost, lower risk of infection, fewer metabolic complications, and preservation of gut integrity and immunity.

- EN also has some potential complications, such as aspiration, tube displacement or occlusion, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, abdominal distension or cramping, electrolyte imbalance, dehydration, etc.