Enteral nutrition led to fewer postoperative complications than did parenteral feeding in gastrointestinal cancer.

P a t i e n t s 317 patients who were ≥ 18 years of age (mean age 64 y, 58% men) and had weight loss ≥ 10% of usual body weight in the previous 6 months, histologically confirmed cancer, and planned major elective surgery. Exclusion criteria were hepatic, renal, or cardiac dysfunction; Karnofsky performance status < 60; pregnancy; ongoing infection; and intestinal anastomosis of the large bowel without a diverting stoma. Follow-up was complete.