Total parenteral nutrition (TPN) is now an everyday occur­ rence in most general hospitals. Over the last two decades this therapeutic modality has been made so simple that it is no longer the province of the specialized surgeon or physician. Indeed, as with the management of chronic renal failure so now with short bowel disease, home parenteral nutrition has become a reality, though this still requires a specialist team dedicated to its management. Furthermore, as more patients will become suitable for home TPN treatment (either long term or short term) so better rationalization of (a) cost, (b) delivery systems and (c) patient training will be necessary. Lessons can be learnt from the somewhat diverse development of regular dialysis treatment in the early 1960s compared with the situation today. Here is a golden opportunity, with the UK National Registry, to rationalize on home TPN costs and to make sure the treatment is simplified and available to all those who may require this treatment. This book is not designed to be an overall comprehensive review of parenteral nutrition. It is meant to set out simple guidelines and the requirements for effective TPN both in hospital and at home. It is aimed at doctors in training, interested physicians and surgeons, nurses, dietitians and pharmacists. The purpose is to stimulate interest and aware­ ness, rather than to provide detailed 'small-print' information. For the person seeking greater knowledge, there are several excellent monographs on the subject.