Early versus traditional delayed oral feeding after small intestinal and colonic anastomosis

There is no evidence that bowel rest and a period of starvation are beneficial for healing of wounds and anastomotic integrity of small or large bowel anastomosis. Aim: The aim of this study was to assess early oral feeding compared with the traditional 5 day delay after small intestinal and colonic anastomosis. Patients and methods: The study included 136 patients with either small intestinal or colonic anastomosis randomly divided into two groups 68 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 and/or passage of faltus. Patients were assessed as regards concomitant diseases, postoperative surgical and medical complications as well as period of hospital stay. Results: There was no statistical significant difference comparing both groups as regards gender and age distribution, cause and type of surgery, the presence of concomitant diseases and occurrence of intestinal fistula or medical complications. There was a significant lower incidence of wound complication (P=0.032) in Group II with significant shorter hospital stay (P=0.000).Conclusion: Early oral feeding after small intestinal and colonic anastomosis is safe, effective, well tolerated and beneficial to the patients.