Comparison of early versus late enteral feeding following gut anastomosis.

Abstract

Objectives: To compare early feeding versus late enteral feeding following gut anastomosis in term of hospital stay. Study Design: Prospective Randomized Control study. Setting: Surgical Unit 1, Holy Family Hospital, Rawalpindi. Period: April to October 2017. Material & Methods: All patients, excluding paediatric age group (n= 60) undergoing emergency or non-emergency gut resection with primary anastomosis were incorporated. Two strata were devised. Group A (n=30) received early enteral feeding starting at 12^th post-operative hours in form of 100-150ml fluid thrice daily. Group B endured being Nil per oral for 72hrs. Both groups were correlated for timing of return of bowel sounds and timespan of hospital stay. P value < 0.05 was considered noteworthy. Results: Overall 60 patients with 30 in each group were incorporated. They were predominantly males (55%) and belonged to middle age group (Group A=31.73+10.78 years; Group B= 36.00+10.53 years). Mean time for return of bowel sounds in both the groups was 24.40+5.88 hours and 35.20+10.88 hours respectively, which was striking (p value <0.05). Mean length of hospital stay in both the groups was also noteworthy i.e. 5.23+0.72 days and 6.40+1.67 days respectively. Conclusion: In the wake of gut anastomosis, early oral feeding at 12hours is superior to delayed oral feeding after 72hours, in terms of mean time for return of bowel sounds and period of hospital stay.