Learning About Total Parenteral Nutrition (TPN)

What is total parenteral nutrition?

Total parenteral nutrition (TPN) is a way to provide nutrition without using the digestive tract. TPN is a liquid that contains protein, fat, carbohydrate, vitamins, and minerals. It’s given through an I.V. tube (catheter) that is placed in a large vein. This allows the nutrients to go directly into the bloodstream. The blood then carries the nutrients to the tissues and organs that need them.

You may need TPN if you:

• Have an injury to or had part of your intestines removed.
• Have a problem that makes it hard to eat and digest food. These problems include inflammatory bowel disease (such as Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis) or pancreatitis.
• Have had some medical treatments. TPN lets your intestines rest during healing.

You can have TPN for days, weeks, or as long as needed. When your body is able to digest food, your doctor will stop giving you TPN.

How is TPN done?

To get TPN, your doctor will first need to put an I.V. tube (catheter) into a vein. This is done through a small cut (incision) in your arm, neck, or chest. You may be given medicine to help you feel relaxed or sleepy and to numb the area before the I.V. is inserted.

After the I.V. is in place, you can begin to get TPN through it. TPN comes in a pouch that can be attached to a pump. The pump delivers the TPN into your I.V. at a slow, steady rate. TPN at home is usually done for 10 to 14 hours each day.

What can you expect while having TPN?

You won’t feel any pain from the TPN flowing into your body. But the area where the I.V. tube was placed may feel uncomfortable at first. This usually gets better with time.

It’s common to feel little or no hunger while you are on TPN. This is because TPN meets all your nutrition needs.