Use of Different Enteral Feeds to Impact on Chyle Leaks in Oesophagectomy

"MCT feeds will be initiated using Nutrison Peptisorb 1kcal/ml. Peptisorb has lower fat content, with a higher proportion of MCTs. The feeding protocol for both formulae will be the same, with equivalent rates of enteral feeding:~* Day 1: if no clinical contra-indication, commence feeding either with standard or MCT feeds at 20ml/hr for 24 hours. Feeds to commence at 8am.~* Day 2: if tolerating feeds continue feeds at 20ml/hr for 12 hours, then increase to 40ml/hr for 12 hours~* Day 3: if tolerating feeds increase feeds to 60ml/hr and await dietician review regarding target rate and duration.~By POD6, if there is no chyle leak, all patients will be given standard feeds for discharge home.~For oral feeding, if patients are progressing clinically, they will have restricted fluids on POD3, with introduction of diet in each group from day 4 onwards. This allows a direct comparison of chyle leak rates for 72h of regular vs MCT enteral feeding."

Nutrison Protein Plus 1.25kcal/ml.