Artificial nutrition: features and application
Artificial nutrition is the introduction of nutrients into the patient’s body using a probe, an enema, or by injection into a vein, rarely under the skin or intramuscularly. This method is used in cases where natural nutrition is not possible or when the processes of nutrient absorption are disrupted. Through a probe, it is usually prescribed for injuries to the maxillofacial area, narrowing of the esophagus, uncontrollable vomiting, and some mental and other diseases.
A doctor or experienced nurse administers the nutritional mixture. The composition, volume and frequency of administration of the nutritional mixture is determined by the doctor. Typically, mixtures include broth, milk, butter, raw eggs, and fruit juices.
Before introducing the nutritional mixture, the intestines are cleansed using a regular enema one hour before the procedure. Mainly liquids and table salt are administered through the rectum using an enema.
Nutrients are administered intravenously, subcutaneously or intramuscularly in cases where nutrition through the gastrointestinal tract is impossible or insufficient. For these purposes, special protein preparations are used, such as casein hydrolysate, hydrolysine, aminopeptide and others, fat emulsions such as itralipid, lipofundin and others, as well as solutions of glucose or other sugars.
Artificial nutrition can be used as a temporary or permanent solution for various diseases such as tumors, obesity, diabetes, gastrointestinal diseases, and after surgery on the stomach, intestines or other abdominal organs.
However, it must be taken into account that artificial nutrition cannot completely replace natural nutrition, since this results in the loss of the ability to absorb food and obtain the vitamins and minerals necessary for the body. Therefore, when using artificial nutrition, it is necessary to carefully monitor the patient’s condition and regularly monitor the nutritional status of the body.
In general, artificial nutrition is an effective method of maintaining the vital functions of the body in cases where natural nutrition is impossible or insufficient. However, its use should only be carried out under the supervision of qualified medical personnel.