Enteral Nutrition in Traumatic Patients: Essential for Achieving Optimal Recovery Outcomes: Enteral Nutrition in Traumatic Patients

Patdanai Khongsakool; Osaree Akaraborworn

doi:10.31584/psumj.2026283062

Authors

Patdanai Khongsakool Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Prince of Songkla University, Hat Yai, Songkhla 90110, Thailand.
Osaree Akaraborworn Division of Trauma and Critical Care, Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Prince of Songkla University, Hat Yai, Songkhla 90110, Thailand.

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.31584/psumj.2026283062

Keywords:

critical illness, enteral nutrition, feeding intolerance, nutrition assessment, traumatic patient

Abstract

Post-traumatic physiological changes result in distinct energy metabolism patterns during each phase of recovery. More injury necessitates increased nutritional support, specifically earliest possible nutrition support in addition to elevated caloric and protein intake. The specific nutrition supplementation for each phase for individual patients may be a crucial aspect of post-traumatic care. Enteral nutrition (EN) is preferred over parenteral nutrition (PN), if no contraindication exists; as it stimulates immunity and avoids the need for invasive procedures. Monitoring clinical signs and gastric residual volume (GRV) together for feeding intolerance is essential to prevent complications. However, although open abdomen after damage control surgery can be encountered in traumatic patients, EN remains an option provided it is carefully managed to replace protein lost from exudative content; thereby, facilitating recovery.

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Enteral Nutrition in Traumatic Patients: Essential for Achieving Optimal Recovery Outcomes