Parenteral Feeding

Parenteral (i.e., not enteral) nutrition is considered if gastrostomy and jejunostomy prove ineffective. Parenteral nutrition is the slow infusion of a solution of nutrients into a vein through a catheter, which is surgically implanted. This may be partial, to supplement food and nutrient intake, or total (TPN, total parenteral nutrition), providing the sole source of energy and nutrient intake for the patient. Complications associated with long-term use of TPN include infections and liver problems, which can be difficult and life-threatening.

In severe cases, surgery to remove part of the intestines might be necessary. In a sub-set of patients, when pseudo-obstruction is limited to an isolated segment of the bowel, surgical bypass may be considered. In the most severe cases, when patients receiving total parenteral nutrition experience life-threatening complications such as severe infection or liver failure, small bowel transplantation may be considered. This procedure is challenging and has many associated risks. It should only be considered when all other treatment options have been exhausted.