Nutrition Support in Pediatric Surgical Patients.

Nutritional support is essential in caring for pediatric surgical patients, as it directly impacts not only immediate recovery and long-term outcomes, but also growth and development. This chapter reviews the physiologic differences and energy requirements in children, anthropometric methods for evaluating nutritional status, specific pediatric conditions affecting nutrition, the roles of micronutrients and vitamins, and some pediatric-specific nuances associated with both enteral and parenteral feeding. It emphasizes early nutritional intervention and multidisciplinary collaboration to optimize outcomes and enhance surgical recovery.