A randomised study of central versus peripheral intravenous nutrition in the perioperative period.

Out of 60 patients undergoing surgery for colo-rectal cancer, 30 were given total parenteral nutrition (TPN) via a peripheral venous catheter (PVC), and 30 via a central venous catheter (CVC). All Patients were treated for 10 days perioperatively. There were no complications of the treatment by CVC. The treatment had to be interrupted in 11 (= 37%) of those receiving TPN via PVC, 4 because of general inconvenience, 7 because of transient pain in the infusion arm without any sign of phlebitis. 63% suffered no complications. The study shows that, with most patients, it is possible to give TPN with an osmolality around 1100 mOsm/kg for up to 10 days via peripheral veins. For TPN of short duration, or where the duration of treatment is uncertain, it is recommended to give TPN initially via peripheral venous catheter, unless a central venous catheter is indicated for other reasons.