The use of synthetic diets in surgical patients

Abstract

The young child is capable of adapting to extensive gut resection. This paper describes in detail the design of various synthetic diets, together with balance studies, in one illustrative case. Further experiences with synthetic diets are briefly discussed. Adequate nutrition by the oral route may be possible, even in the early postoperative months, providing care is taken with the diet. Guidelines for the composition of synthetic diets, which may be used for a variety of gastrointestinal abnormalities are discussed. Such diets are, we feel, a useful part of the successful treatment of a variety of intestinal disorders.