Effect of early enteral nutrition in patients receiving abdominal surgery

Abstract

Objective To evaluate the safety and effect of early enteralnutrition support in patients receiving abdominal surgery. Methods 30 patients undergoing abdominal surgery were randomized into two groups:study group(PN and early EN),control group(PN).Patients in study group received enteral nutrition from 24 hours after operation.The energy provided by EN was less than 15% of total energy.All the patients were given isonitrogenic and isocaloric nutrition support.Body weiht,plasma albumin,nitrogen balance and enterocinesia were evaluated on the 3rd and 7th postoperative day. Result Body weight decreased significantly in control group compared to that in the study group on the 3rd postoperative day (P<0.05),increased significantly in the study group compared to that n the control group on the 7th postoperative day (P<0.05).A significant decrease in plasma albumin level was observed on 3rd and 7th postoperative day compared to that preoperative (P<0.05).The level of plasma albumin in study group was significantly better than that in control group (P<0.01).Nitrogen balance in the study group was significantly better than that in the control group on 3rd and 7th postoperative day (P<0.01).The enterocinesia recovered significantly earlier in study group than in control group (P<0.01).No adverse reaction related to early EN was observed. Conclusion Enteral nutrition in the early period after abdominal surgery is safe and effective.