What is TPN and when is it used?

Total Parenteral Nutrition (TPN) is a medical therapy that provides all necessary nutrients, including carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, and minerals, directly into the bloodstream through an intravenous (IV) line. This is particularly vital for patients who cannot consume food orally or absorb nutrients through their gastrointestinal tract due to various medical conditions, such as severe gastrointestinal disorders, cancer, or after certain surgeries.

TPN ensures that these patients receive adequate nutrition to support their metabolic needs, maintain health, and promote recovery when traditional feeding methods are not possible or insufficient. By bypassing the digestive system entirely, TPN provides a means of delivering essential nutrients in a controlled and efficient manner, often when a patient is in a critical state or has a functioning GI tract that is unable to handle any form of enteral feeding.