Table 1 This comparative analysis synthesizes key clinical outcomes for intermittent vs continuous nutrition support specifically in perioperative gastrointestinal surgery patients.

From: Intermittent vs. continuous: a comparative narrative review of enteral and parenteral nutrition support strategies in the perioperative setting

Metric

IEN

CEN

IPN

CPN

Gastrointestinal function recovery

Significant improvement

Possible delay

N/A

N/A

Glycemic control

Requires close monitoring

Short-term stability

Better control

Hyperglycemia risk↑

Infection risk

Reduced

Increased

Reduced

Increased

Hospital stay duration

Shortened

Potentially prolonged

Shortened

Potentially prolonged

Quality of life

Significantly improved

Restricted

Mobility improved

Severely restricted

Liver dysfunction

N/A

N/A

Risk reduced

Risk significantly increased

Applicable Patient population

Patients with intact gastrointestinal function

Critically ill/diabetic patients

Patients with stable metabolic conditions

Patients requiring long-term NPO status

  1. Arrow direction indicates beneficial (↑) or adverse (↓) effects, with dot fill levels denoting evidence strength based on systematic review of cited studies.
  2. ↑ Increased risk/effect, N/A Not applicable, NPO Nil per os (nothing by mouth).
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