EARLY VERSUS DELAYED ORAL FEEDING AFTER GASTRIC SURGERY, PROSPECTIVE RANDOMIZED TRIAL

Document Type : Original Article

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Department of Surgery, Alexandria University, Egypt

Abstract

Aim: The aim of the work is to evaluate the outcome of one of the main elements of fast track which is the 
early resumption of oral feeding after gastric operations versus conventional delayed oral feeding.
Methods: This is a prospective randomized trial. It included forty consecutive patients who underwent 
gastric surgery at Alexandria Main University Hospital. Patients were randomly allocated into 2 groups by 
the closed envelop method: Group (A) was allowed early oral feeding as follows: Post-operative day one, 
patients were allowed free fluids. Solid food was allowed the next day. Patients were discharged when they 
could tolerate a standard hospital meal. Group (B): (control group) followed the conventional regimen (nil 
per mouth for five days).
Results: There was no difference in early postoperative complications (P =0.749), the early oral feeding 
group had shorter hospital stay (6.20 ± 1.79days vs. 9.60 ± 2.64 days; P=0.001). They regained their bowel 
sound earlier and passed flatus sooner than the control group.
Conclusions: Early oral feeding following gastric surgery is safe. It allows faster recovery and a shorter 
hospital stay. 

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