Clinical efficacy of Early Postoperative Oral Feeding in Gynecologic Patients Undergoing Intra - abdominal Surgery

Roh, Jong Hwan; Kim, Young Tae; Hong, Soon Oak; Kim, Jae Wook

Abstract

OBJECTIVE
This study was performed to evaluate the feasibility, safety, and tolerance of early postoperative oral feeding in gynecologic patients who have underwent intra-abdominal surgery. Thus, we investigated the clinical efficacy of early postoperative oral feeding in gynecologic patients, prospectively. METHODS: From September 1998 to March 1999, we studied 80 gynecologic patients undergoing laparotomy at Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, prospectively. After surgery, the patients were grouped into two arms; the first early oral feeding group began a clear liquid diet on the first postoperative day and advanced to regular diet as tolerated. the second control group received nothing by mouth until return of bowel function.
RESULTS
Although more patients in the study group developed nausea, the incidence of vomiting and abdominal distension were comparable in both groups. Time to development of bowel sound and flatus were significantly shorter in study group. Postoperative complications including pneumonia, atelectasis, wound complications, and febrile morbidity occurred insignificantly in both group. Postoperative changes in hematologic indices and electrolytes were comparable in both group.
CONCLUSION
Early postoperative oral feeding in gynecologic patients undergoing intra-abdominal surgery is safe, well tolerated. We believe that re-evaluation of postoperative surgical care may increase our knowledge and better serve our patients.