ROLE OF ENTERAL HYPERALIMENTATION IN PATIENTS OF CARCINOMA ESOPHAGUS

The nutritional status of 24 patients of carcinoma oesophagus was asse ssed before and after enteral hyperalimentation with a liquid blenderi zed diet containing 3000-3500 cal and 100-120 g protein. The overall p revalence of malnutrition was found to be 70.8 per cent before the ini tiation of therapy. Of the various parameters used for assessment of n utritional status weight loss was the most common finding (91.6%) foll owed by alteration in midarm circumference, haemoglobin, triceps skin fold thickness, midarm muscle circumference and serum albumin. Enteral hyperalimentation for 10 days improved nutritional status by inducing significant gain in body weight (74.1%), triceps skin fold thickness (50%), midarm circumference (58%), midarm muscle circumference (62.5%) and serum albumin levels (91.6%). There was no significant change in haemoglobin levels.