COMPARISON OF EARLY VERSUS DELAYED FEEDING AFTER CAESAREAN SECTION UNDER REGIONAL ANAESTHESIA

Abstract

Objective: The objective of this study is to compare early versus delayed feeding, after caesarean section under regional anesthesia.
 Materials And Methods:
 Study Design: Randomized controlled trial
 Duration of Study: Study was completed from June to Nov 2014, at Lahore General Hospital Lahore.
 Data Collection Procedure: Total 100 patients were included in the study and randomly divided into two groups. In group A patients were allowed oral liquids 3 hours post-operatively and solids diet 1 hour after the liquids and in group B patients were given oral liquids after the return of bowel sounds. Patients were monitored for development, if any, of signs of paralytic ileus (nausea, vomiting and abdominal distension). Time to return of bowel sounds and passage of flatus were noted, for all patients. Patients were discharged when patients tolerated oral feed well and remained symptom (of paralytic ileus) free for 24 hours and length of hospital stay was noted as well.
 Results: There was no statistical difference in the number of patients who had symptoms of paralytic ileus, in two groups. Mean time to return of bowel sound (7.82±1.30 versus 12.08±1.87 hours), time to passage of flatus (13.50±2.64 versus 17.42±1.75 hours) and hospital stay (47.50 ±23.55 versus 77.92±22.48 hours) was significantly lower in early fed group (p<0.0001, for all three study end points).
 Conclusion: Early feeding after caesarean section results in better recovery, early mobilization (which may result in less complications), shorter hospital stays and quick return to normal family life.