The nursing of esophageal cancer patients with indwelling nasal bowel

Objective To explore nursing methods of enteral nutrition after esophageal cancer surgery,and to improve patients′ tolerance of surgery,reduce postoperative complications and shorten hospitalization time.Methods Forty-six cancer patients with esophageal resection from August 2008 to September 2010 were chosen.Gravity or the operation of nutrient solution 24 h infusionpump infusion method was used.Thus patients could gradually increase the drip rate to a tolerable dose to achieve nutritional needs.The patients′ vital signs,gastrointestinal functional recovery and adverse reactions were observed.Results All patients recovered well during the period of enteral nutrition.Nutritional status improved significantly after enteral nutrition in patients with no significant laboratory abnormalities.Conclusion Enteral nutrition is in line with the normal physiological characteristics.It can maintain intestinal mucosal barrier function,reduce costs,and is useful in achieving rehabilitation and preventing after-surgery complications.It proves to be the first choice for postoperative nutritional support.