Objective: To carry out a review of scientific literature of a descriptive nature that provides an update on useful concepts on postoperative parenteral nutrition. Brief Description: The goal of nutritional support is to ensure the patient's energy requirements, reduce micronutrient deficiencies, maintain muscle, improve food intake and quality of life. In surgical patients, nutritional support therapy has an important role in the prevention and treatment of malnutrition and catabolism. Total parenteral nutrition (TPN) is indicated in the postoperative period in the following circumstances: a) malnourished patients; b) patients who tolerate enteral nutrition poorly; c) postoperative complications that impair gastrointestinal function in patients who are unable to receive and absorb adequate amounts of oral or enteral feeding for at least seven days; and d) gastrointestinal surgeries. This support could be enhanced by supplementing with immunomodulatory nutrients such as glutamine. This amino acid can be considered when patients require parenteral nutrition. Conclusions: Scientific articles from the last 5 years were evaluated, which after the respective study conclude that parenteral nutrition in postoperative patients improves the patient's quality of life, however, no significant variations were observed in the inflammatory response 4 days after surgery, supplementation of parenteral nutrition with glutamine is more beneficial for patients with intestinal cancer

postoperative disease, early parenteral nutrition, operation trauma, cancer