Outcomes of Early Versus Delayed Feeding in Patients Undergoing Intestinal Anastomosis

Background: Historically, surgeons in the past have opted for delayed feeding after enteric anastomosis. The purpose of our study is to compare early feeding versus delayed feeding after gut anastomosis.Objectives: The study aims to compare the outcomes of early feeding with delayed feeding after intestinal anastomosis including both small and large bowel surgeries.Material and Methods: A total of 120 patients who underwent intestinal anastomosis, either elective or emergency procedures, were included in this randomized controlled trial. The study was conducted for 6 months starting from 1st January-2022 to 30th June-2022. In group A; early feeding started within 6 hours of surgery. In group B, feeding started after return of normal bowel movements usually after 72 hours.Results: Mean age of patients in group A was 42.06 with 46 (76.7%) males and 14 (23.3%) females. In group B, the mean age was 40.43 years with 39 (65.0%) males and 21 (35.0%) females. The primary diagnosis was infections in 27 (45%) patients in group A and 29 (48.3%) patients in group B. Mean time to pass the first flatus in group A was 2.70 days with standard deviation of 2.78 and in group B, it was 3.50 days with standard deviation of 3.33. Mean time to pass first stool in group A was 3.67 days with a standard deviation of 2.44 and in group B was 4.97 days with a standard deviation of 3.65. Mean duration of hospital stay (HS) was 3.06 days with a standard deviation of 2.75 in group A and in group B was 4.43 days with a standard deviation of 4.65. Number of patients (n = 60) being constant for both the groups.Conclusion: Early oral feeding following elective intestinal anastomosis is safe and results in a quicker recovery of normal bowel movements, as well as shorter hospital stay.Keywords: Conventional feeding, Early oral feeding, Intestinal anastomosis.