Early versus Delayed Postoperative Oral Feeding after Gastrointestinal Anastomosis

Abstract

Background: There is no evidence that bowel rest and a period of starvation are beneficial for healing of gastrointestinal anastomosis. Aim of work: This study assesses the outcomes of early oral feeding compared with the 5 days delay after small and large bowel anastomosis. Patients and methods: This study included 40 patients with either small intestinal or colonic anastomosis randomly divided into two groups (20 patients each). Group I patients were managed traditionally with 5 day delay before oral feeding, while those of group II were allowed oral fluids once there was audible intestinal sounds or passage of flatus. Results: There was no significant difference comparing both groups as regards gender and age distribution, cause and type of surgery and occurrence of intestinal fistula. There was a significant lower incidence of wound complications in group II with shorter hospital stay. Conclusion: Early oral feeding after gastrointestinal anastomosis is safe, effective, well tolerated and beneficial to all patients.