SummaryBackgroundHome parenteral nutrition (HPN) is currently the management of choice for patients with chronic intestinal failure.AimTo summarise the major issues in delivering long‐term parenteral nutrition (>3 months) and assess outcome as per complications, mortality and quality of life. To assess the evidence for the therapeutic use of trophic factors such as teduglutide and to review evolving therapeutic options in the treatment of chronic intestinal failure.MethodsA literature search using PubMed and MEDLINE databases was performed.ResultsSafe delivery of HPN relies upon individualised formulations of parenteral nutrition administered via carefully maintained central venous catheters by trained patients or carers, supported by a skilled multidisciplinary team. Early diagnosis and treatment of complications including catheter‐associated blood stream infection (reported incidence 0.14–0.83 episodes/patient‐year on HPN) and central venous thrombosis (reported incidence 0.03 episodes/patient‐year) is important to minimise mortality and morbidity. There is a significant variation in the reported incidence of both hepatobiliary complications (19–75%) and advanced liver disease (0–50%). Five‐year survival rates in large centres are reported between 60% and 78% with survival primarily related to underlying diagnosis. Long‐term survival remains higher on HPN than with intestinal transplantation. The role of intestinal lengthening procedures is yet to be validated in adults.ConclusionsHome parenteral nutrition delivered by skilled nutrition teams has low incidences of catheter‐related complications. Most deaths relate to the underlying disease. Therapies such as teduglutide and small bowel transplantation appear promising, but home parenteral nutrition appears likely to remain the bedrock of management in the near term.

Simultaneous reconstruction of the intestinal tract and abdominal wall remains associated with a high complication rate, justifying the management of such patients in specialized units. Simultaneous reconstruction of the abdominal wall with prosthetic mesh is associated with a particularly high incidence of recurrent postoperative fistulation and should be avoided if possible.

BackgroundMalnutrition is a problem in advanced cancer, particularly ovarian cancer where malignant bowel obstruction (MBO) is a frequent complication. Parenteral nutrition is the only way these patients can received adequate nutrition and is a principal indication for palliative home parenteral nutrition (HPN). Giving HPN is contentious as it may increase the burden on patients. This study investigates patients’ and family caregivers’ experiences of HPN, alongside nutritional status and survival in patients with ovarian cancer and MBO.MethodsThis mixed methods study collected data on participant characteristics, clinical details and body composition using computed tomography (CT) combined with longitudinal in-depth interviews underpinned by phenomenological principles. The cohort comprised 38 women with ovarian cancer and inoperable MBO admitted (10/2016 to 12/ 2017) to a tertiary referral hospital. Longitudinal interviews (n = 57) were carried out with 20 women considered for HPN and 13 of their family caregivers.ResultsOf the 38 women, 32 received parenteral nutrition (PN) in hospital and 17 were discharged on HPN. Nutritional status was poor with 31 of 33 women who had a CT scan having low muscle mass, although 10 were obese. Median overall survival from admission with MBO for all 38 women was 70 days (range 8–506) and for those 17 on HPN was 156 days (range 46–506).Women experienced HPN as one facet of their illness, but viewed it as a “lifeline” that allowed them to live outside hospital. Nevertheless, HPN treatment came with losses including erosion of normality through an impact on activities of daily living and dealing with the bureaucracy surrounding the process. Family caregivers coped but were often left in an emotionally vulnerable state.ConclusionsWomen and family caregivers reported that the inconvenience and disruption caused by HPN was worth the extended time they had at home.

Fistuloclysis appears to provide effective nutritional support in selected patients with enterocutaneous fistula.

This is the largest reported series of catheter salvage in CRBSIs and demonstrates successful catheter salvage in most cases when using a standardized protocol.