Abstract
Enteral feeding plays a vital role for patients who are unable to meet their nutritional
needs through oral intake, providing benefit to those with conditions such as inflammatory
bowel disease, postsurgical recovery, chronic dysphagia, dysfunctional gastrointestinal
tract, and critical illness. The role of interventional radiologists in enteral access
is expanding, reflecting our pivotal role in nutritional support in clinical practice.
This review explores the development, comparative benefits, and clinical outcomes
associated with enteral nutrition (EN), highlighting its strengths and weaknesses
as compared to parenteral nutrition (PN). EN supports gut mucosal health and immune
function by stimulating gastrointestinal systems' native cellular programs, while
reducing infection risks compared to PN. Modern advancements in EN formulations and
delivery methods have enhanced patient care, demonstrating improved survival rates,
reduced hospital stays, and improved quality of life.
Keywords
enteral feeding - parenteral feeding - nutrition
