[Effect of enteral and parenteral nutrition on glucose tolerance in the early postoperative phase].

In a randomized clinical trial in 24 patients with colorectal resections the different behaviour of glucose tolerance (GT) in the early post-operative period was investigated. Especially, we were concerned with the way nutritional substrate were applicated. Therefore 2 groups were randomly formed for a six day period of enteral versus parenteral nutrition. To check the GT enteral tolerance-tests were done preoperatively, and on day 1, 3 and 6 postoperatively. Our results show a significant improvement of GT in the enteral group on 3, and 6, postoperative days, as well as a significantly higher insulin secretion on 3, postoperative day. C-Peptide displays similar high concentrations as a sign of elevated insulin secretion. These results prove, that enteral glucose application is superior to the parenteral way in early postoperative nutrition.