Early Versus Delayed Oral Feeding after Uncomplicated Cesarean Section

Background: Cesarean section (CS) is the most common surgery in the world and is defined as a laparotomy followed by a hysterotomy and fetal delivery. The current global standard is to use regional anesthesia, which allows patients to remain awake which minimizes drug transfer to the fetus. Aim and objectives: to assess the safety of early Versus Delayed Oral Feeding after Uncomplicated Cesarean Section on the following post-operative outcomes: post-operative vomiting and abdominal distention, post-operative nausea and abdominal pain, return of intestinal movements, duration of intravenous fluid administration, duration of hospital stay. Subjects and methods: This randomized controlled trial study was conducted at Benha university hospitals. This study was conducted on 200 consenting women undergoing cesarean section. All patients were divided into 2 equal groups: patients were randomized to receive either early or delayed feeding. Results: there were high statistical significant differences between both groups regarding most of the secondary postoperative outcomes like time until return of bowel movements, time to ambulation, time to bowel opening, time of discontinuation of intravenous fluids (p<0.001). Majority of patients of both groups underwent spinal anesthesia (60%, 70% respectively). Conclusion: The current study showed that there were improvements in return of bowel function and maternal satisfaction, coupled with a lack of gastrointestinal complications, support the advisability of early oral feeding over late oral feeding.