Early postoperative oral feeding impacts positively in patients undergoing colonic resection: results of a pilot study

Background and aims: Early oral feeding after colorectal resections is one of the many factors that contributes to enhance recovery after surgery, mainly impacting on postoperative ileus. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of early postoperative oral feeding in patients undergoing elective colorectal resection. Methods: Patients were randomly assigned to either a conventional postoperative dietary regimen or a free diet on the first postoperative day. Results: Altogether 29 patients were enrolled. Clinical characteristic were similar in both groups. Good nutritional status was seen in 86% of patient in the traditional care (TRAD) group versus 46 To in the early fed (EF) group (p<0.05). There was no difference between groups in terms of procedures. Median hospital stay was 5.0 days in the TRAD group versus 3.0 days in the EF group (p<0.05). Complication rates and acceptance of diet were similar in both groups. Diarrhea occurred more frequently in the TRAD group (OR=1.86; IC95%:1.08-3.20). Conclusion: Early oral intake is well tolerated, leads to significant shorter hospital stay and does not increase complications.