Evaluation of a semi-solidifying liquid formula for nasogastric tube feeding after oral and maxillofacial surgery

Abstract Purpose The aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate a semi-solidifying liquid formula for nasogastric tube (NGT) feeding after oral and maxillofacial surgery (OMS). Patients and Methods In total, 42 patients who underwent OMS for malignant tumors, benign tumors, jaw reconstruction, or jaw fracture received postoperative NGT feeding for nutritional control between 2013 and 2019. Of these patients, 21 received a liquid diet (liquid group [LG]; administration rate, 100 mL/h) and 21 received a semi-solidifying liquid formula (semi-solid group [SSG]; Mermed Plus®; administration rate, 400 ml/h). We retrospectively evaluated the complications of NGT feeding in both groups. Results During the course of NGT feeding, the incidence of abdominal pain (P = 0.022), rate of probiotic prescription for diarrhea (P = 0.012), and Bristol stool form scale score (P = 0.014) were significantly lower in SSG than in LG. The maximum defecation frequency per day was also lower in SSG, although the difference was not significant (P = 0.069). Conclusions Overall, the semi-solidifying formula (Mermed Plus®) was associated with a higher administration rate and a lower incidence of gastrointestinal complications. These findings will help oral and maxillofacial surgeons in the selection of appropriate diets for postoperative NGT feeding.