A post-surgical patient with prolonged ileus should be treated with which nutritional approach?

In the context of a post-surgical patient experiencing prolonged ileus, the most appropriate nutritional approach is parenteral nutrition. Prolonged ileus refers to a temporary cessation of bowel activity, making it challenging for a patient to tolerate oral or enteral nutrition due to the risk of complications like aspiration or bowel obstruction.

Parenteral nutrition delivers essential nutrients directly into the bloodstream, bypassing the gastrointestinal tract entirely. This method ensures that the patient receives adequate nutrition while minimizing the risk associated with reintroducing food into a non-functioning digestive system. It is especially beneficial in situations where the gastrointestinal tract is not available or usable, as seen in prolonged ileus.

Other nutritional options, such as oral nutrition or enteral nutrition, involve feeding through the mouth or a tube directly into the stomach or small intestine, respectively. However, these methods are not suitable until the bowel has resumed normal function and can handle food intake without causing further complications. Dietary supplements might provide additional nutrients, but they would not address the need for a complete and controlled nutritional regimen necessary for recovery in a patient with prolonged ileus.