Feeding through a tube vs. vein: which heals gut leaks faster?
NCT ID NCT03742752
First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This study compared two ways of feeding patients who developed a leak (fistula) after upper gastrointestinal surgery: feeding through a tube into the gut (enteral nutrition) versus feeding through a vein (parenteral nutrition). The goal was to see if enteral nutrition could help close the leak faster. The trial was stopped early after enrolling only 6 people, so no strong conclusions can be drawn.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
Active substance
enteral nutrition and parenteral nutrition
What this could lead to
If successful, this could show that enteral nutrition helps close fistulas faster than parenteral nutrition, improving recovery after upper GI surgery.
What could go wrong
The trial was terminated early with only 6 participants, so results are very limited. It is unclear if enteral nutrition is truly better, and more research is needed.
Disclaimer
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the original study
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Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.
This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
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Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.
Contacts and locations
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Locations
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Hôpital Claude Huriez, CHU
Lille, France