Objective To investigate the influence on the postoperative recovery for giving either total parenteral nutrition （TPN） or early enteral nutrition (EEN) to patients with gastric cancer after total gastrectomy. Methods Eighty-six patients with gastric cancer undergone total gastrectomy were divided into TPN group (n=31) and EEN group (n=55). Patients in TPN group received TPN support via vena cava (internal jugular vein or subclavian vein), while patients in EEN group received early feeding through the naso-intestinal tube, which was placed during operation, and volume of enteral nutrition (fresubin) was increased daily, full enteral nutrition was expected on day 3-5. Nutrition status after operation, postoperative plasma albumin (Alb), the time of passing gas or stool, the time of oral intake, hospital stay and any postoperative complications were recorded and analyzed. Results There were no significant differences between two groups (Pgt;0.05) in postoperative plasma Alb level, the time of passing gas or stool, postoperative complications rate or hospital stay. However, in the TPN group, the time of oral intake was shorter than that in EEN group (P=0.004). Conclusions Both TPN and EEN are the suitable nutritional methods for patients with gastric cancer after total gastrectomy, and with no detectable difference. For patients with high risk, such as severe malnutrition, naso-intestinal tube should be placed for EEN.