ABSTRACT
Aim: This study was conducted to evaluate early oral feeding versus delayed feeding after intestinal resection
Methods: In the period from June 2005 to September 2006 this study included 240 patients who underwent intestinal resection either elective or emergency, they were randomized into two groups. Group [A] included 120 patients with early oral feeding and group [B] with delayed oral feeding. Patients were followed lip for a period of 3-12 months
Results: Twenty four [20%] patients in group [A] had leakage versus 28 [23.3%] in [B], [p0.531]. Sixteen [13.3%] patients were explored in group [A] versus 18 [15%] in [B], [p= 0.711]. In group [A] 15 [12.5%] patients had local complications versus 14 [11.3%] in [B], this was not of statistical significance. Hospital stay was significantly shorter in group A than [B] with mean stay of [2.5 + 1.7] versus [9.93 + 2.60] days respectively. General complications were less frequent in group [A] versus [B] with more patient satisfaction and early return to work, but readmissions were more frequent among group [A] [5 versus 2]. Regarding mortality 9 [7.5%] patients died in group [A] versus 8 [6.6%] in [B], [p= 0.333]
Conclusion: Early oral feeding after intestinal resection is well tolerated and safe with better outcome