Early enteral feeding after closure of colostomy in pediatric patients

Background/Purpose: The aim of this study was to determine the benefits and adverse effects of protocolized early postoperative enteral feeding in pediatric patients undergoing a closure of colostomy. Methods: Pediatric patients, completely treated for anorectal malformation, who underwent a closure of colostomy during September 2000 and May 2002 received early postoperative feeding according to the authors' protocol (EF group). Retrospective data of consecutive patients operated on from March 1998 to August 2000 who received traditional feeding practice were used as a control (TF group). The protocol began with a small volume of formula or breast feeding within the first postoperative day. Volume allowance was advanced every 4 hours up to the daily maintenance volume. Full feeding was defined as when the patient was able to tolerate at least 80% of daily maintenance volume. TF group received nothing by mouth until documentation of bowel function. The groups were compared with regard to postoperative stay, postoperative hour of full feeding, first bowel movement, and adverse effects. Statistical analyses were performed with chi(2) test, Student's t test, and Mann-Whitney U test. Results: There were 34 and 30 patients in EF and TF groups, respectively. Median age of the patients was 13 months, and median weight was 8.39 kg. Except for the associated anomalies, which were found more in the EF group, there were no differences in the demographic characteristics of the 2 groups. On average, feeding was initiated at 19.7 (16 to 24) hours in the EF group and 51.7 (18 to 92) hours in the TF group (P<.01). Median fullfeeding hours were 45.5 and 70.5 hours in the EF and TF group, respectively (P<.01). First bowel movement in the EF group was recorded at the average of 4.14 postoperative nurse shifts, compared with 5.96 shifts in the TF group (P<.01). Postoperative stay was significantly reduced from the average of 6.1 days to 4.5 days (P<.01). The overall hospital expenses were not significantly different between the 2 groups. ($203.95 US in TF group and $198.50 US in EF group; P=.75) There was 1 vomiting case in the EF group that was temporary and resolved spontaneously. Septic complications were noted in 8 patients in the EF group and 6 patients in the TF group (P=.27). The majority were uncomplicated urinary tract infections. Conclusions: Early feeding after a closure of colostomy in pediatric patients stimulated early bowel movement and reduced hospital stay with no increased adverse effects.