Artificial nutrition and nutrition support and refeeding syndrome

Both enteral and parenteral nutrition support should be managed by a multiprofessional team to ensure the correct choice and minimize complications. Enteral tube feeding is required for patients with a functioning gastrointestinal tract unable to meet their nutritional requirements orally, and can be either intragastric or post-pyloric. Naso-enteral tubes are preferred for short-term feeding (<4 weeks); enterostomas are preferred for longer term feeding. Enteral feeding is generally safe. Complications are quite frequent, but most are minor and easily managed.