Early solid food after cesarean section and postoperative ileus

Abstract

Paralytic ileus a temporary inhibition of bowel motility is believed to follow all abdominal surgery. Surgeons have customarily withheld postoperative oral intake until the return of bowel function as evidenced by a presence of bowel sound a passing of flatus/stool and a feeling of hunger. The major concern has been that early oral intake would result in vomiting from severe paralytic ileus with subsequent aspiration pneumonia and wound dehiscence. This randomized controlled study was conducted to evaluate the effect of early solid oriental food compared with traditional feeding schedule after cesarean delivery on the incidence of postoperative ileus and patient’s satisfaction. (excerpt)