Compared with parenteral nutrition, enteral nutrition has the following advantages: Better preservation of the structure and function of the GI tract Lower cost Probably fewer complications, particularly infections Specific indications for enteral nutrition include the following: Prolonged anorexia Severe protein-energy undernutrition Coma or depressed sensorium Liver failure Inability to take oral feedings due to head or neck trauma Critical illnesses (eg, burns) causing metabolic stress Other indications may include bowel preparation for surgery in seriously ill or undernourished patients, closure of enterocutaneous fistulas, and small-bowel adaptation after massive intestinal resection or in disorders that may cause malabsorption (eg, Crohn disease).