Parenteral nutrition (PN), delivered intravenously, plays a crucial role in maintaining patients’ nutritional status when they cannot meet their nutritional needs orally or enterally. Unfortunately, underutilisation of PN is a significant issue facing the healthcare system, as only half of surgeons apply peripheral PN to malnourished patients when enteral nutrition is insufficient in nutrition supplementation. In light of the situation, The Hong Kong Society of Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition (HKSPEN) organised a scientific symposium on 21st Mar 2024 themed “Omega-3 Lipid Emulsion in Parenteral Nutrition and Role of NST in Hospital” to explore and discuss the needs for PN and nutritional support team (NST) in managing surgical patients and share local clinical experience.

The event commenced with Dr. Liu Yuk Wah, Shirley, the President of the HKSPEN and Chief of Service (Surgery) at Alice Ho Miu Ling Nethersole Hospital, giving an opening remark. It was an honour to have invited Dr. Ennaliza Salazar, Senior Consultant (Gastroenterology & Hepatology) at Singapore General Hospital, as the keynote speaker to discuss omega-3 lipid emulsion in PN and the role of NST in patient support. The importance of NST was further highlighted by Dr. Cheung Yau Fung, Eric, Consultant (Surgery) at North District Hospital, with his local experience and clinical cases. As an extension of the presentations, a panel discussion was held to deepen the understanding and facilitate more interaction among experts in various fields. In closing the symposium, Dr. Chang Li Li, Lily, Associate Consultant (Intensive Care) at Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital, and Miss Kan Yuen Man, Ingrid, Senior Dietitian at Prince of Wales Hospital, thanked the HKSPEN for making it such a fruitful, meaningful event.