How was food and water given to comatose patients in the old days before IVs?

M

Michael W

New member
Generally they would insert a feeding tube directly into the patients stomach or a nasogastric tube, up the patients nose then down into their stomach. These are still the preferred methods of feeding patients who are unconscious or in a coma, it is far cheaper and safer. Additionally TPN's (IV feeding) are not intended to be a long term solution, just a stop gap measure usually. As well as nutritionists and pharmacists work together to produce TPN's that meet all the bodies physiological needs it still is far from an ideal solution.
 
I've always been curious about this. Was it even possible or was a prolonged coma simply fatal due to starvation?
Very good info so far (I never clicked "thumbs down" on anyone). I had not thought of the tube into the GI tract or through the nose.
This was inspired by an close friend who is an author. She is writing a military-themed story where a group of soldiers are in the field with very limited supplies. One character is sick and unconscious, and the field medic (who has lost his kit) needed a way to sustain him long enough for others in the unit to return with proper supplies and medication.
 
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