A PROSPECTIVE STUDY ON EARLY ENTERAL NUTRITION FOLLOWING GASTROINTESTINAL SURGERY

Abstract

Background: The word anastomosis originates from the Greek word meaning communicating opening. Gut anastomosis is one of the frequently performed surgeries. As conventional practice following gut anastomosis, patients are kept “NIL BY MOUTH” till bowel sounds return. During this time period, patient remains with nasogastric tube for decompression of stomach and providing rest to the gut. Aim of the study on early enteral nutrition following gastrointestinal surgery. Methods: A prospective study was carried out over a period of 18 months in dept of General Surgery BMCH Burdwan. The aim of this study was to determine whether early enteral feeding (within 48hrs) after gastrointestinal surgery is tolerable and beneficial to the patient or not. Results: OF 54, 34 were male, 20 were female with a percentage of 63% and 37%. Every patient were given early enteral nutrition and only 6(11.1%) developed paralytic ileus, 16 (29.6%) patients developed gastrointestinal disturbances. Among 29 who underwent anastomosis 3(10.3%) patients had anastomotic leak. Among 54, 9(16.7%) developed SSI (11.1%) developed chest infection. Conclusion: It can be concluded that early enteral feeding induces quicker recovery of postoperative gastrointestinal movements in patients. Early enteral feeding reduces SSI> It is safe and effective I postoperative patients, even if there is apparent ileus. There is no significant correlation between early enteral nutrition and development of complications (ie anastomostic leak, paralytic ileus and postoperative chest infections).