Central parenteral nutrition can cause serious complications, particularly in association with the feeding catheter, previously in relation to nutrient provision, and occasionally in other organ systems, notably disease of the liver and abnormalities of bone composition. Developments in catheter design, the introduction of catheter care protocols based on an understanding of the common routes of catheter infection, and the identification of factors associated with central vein thrombosis have all reduced dramatically the incidence of complications. Furthermore, problems such as catheter occlusion, catheter infection and central vein thrombosis can now be treated effectively in many patients without the loss of the feeding catheter. This review summarizes the common and important complications of parenteral feeding with emphasis on their practical prevention and management.