A randomised controlled trial of early initiation of oral feeding after cesarean section

Abstract

Early feeding after cesarean section was well tolerated and safe and can be implemented without an increase in adverse outcome.

The effect of post‐cesarean rectal misoprostol on intestinal motility

“…Although misoprostol is not used at such a high dose or for such a long duration in obstetric treatments, there are few studies on the possible effect that a statim rectal dose might have on intestinal motility after surgery, which may favor early commencement of oral feeding and confer benefit on wound healing [2].…”

“…Traditionally in postoperative care, patients who have had uncomplicated abdominal surgery are maintained initially on "nothing by mouth" for 24-48 hours, and then on sips of clear liquid on the first postoperative day if bowel sounds are present and there is no abdominal distension. After the flatus or stool is passed, the diet is accelerated as rapidly as can be tolerated to a regular diet [2].…”

“…The current trend toward early discharge from hospital has led to a growing interest in patient management that allows more rapid recovery and resumption of normal activities [1,2]. After abdominal surgery, normal bowel motility is abolished in the immediate postoperative period, and the onset of the return of bowel function is influenced by the type of surgery performed [3].…”

“…In contrast to this norm, studies have shown that early oral feeding improves the intake of energy and protein needed to maintain a positive caloric and nitrogen balance, reduces protein store depletion, improves wound healing, and aids faster recovery, leading to earlier hospital discharge and reduced costs [2][3][4][5][6].…”

The Effect of Early Oral Feeding in Spontaneous Pneumothorax Patients after Surgery

“…In the current clinical practice, the patients who have general anesthesia regardless of the type of surgery should be given water at 6 hours after the surgery because of the possibility of airway aspiration and intestinal obstruction caused by general anesthesia. This may increase the oral discomfort and affect the patient's postoperative safety, and long-term fasting may result in abdominal pain due to gastrointestinal motility inhibition [6]. These may affect the recovery and security of the patient after surgery and lead to complications; therefore, active resolution is required regarding such issue.…”