Evidence for early oral feeding of patients after elective open colorectal surgery: a literature review

Abstract

Nurses can highlight this new evidence for other health professionals, advocate development of clinical protocols featuring early feeding and participate in multi-disciplinary, multi-method research regarding benefits of early feeding.

Nausea, vomiting and return of bowel function after colorectal surgery

“…Patients took an average of 2.4 days to pass flatus and 4.3 days to open their bowels. Although this is later than most studies assessing ROBF with an epidural‐based fast track programme, it is predictable, with the majority of patients passing flatus on days 2 and 3, followed by passage of faeces on days 4 and 5, and not overly prolonged. The time taken for ROBF was shortened with an ileostomy.…”

Critical pathway for patients undergoing aortic-surgery: Impact on postoperative care at an intensive care unit in Sweden

“…Although no significant effects were observed, we did observe that following the introduction of the pathway, the nurse's were more aware of mobilization, patients were mobilized more frequently, which is crucial to prevent postoperative complications. 29 Even if further research is needed, we believe in the use of pathway as a structured tool to remind nurses about the importance of mobilization.…”

Perioperative Nutrition in Elective Gastrointestinal Surgery – Potential for Improvement?

“…When reviewing early versus late inserted postoperative enteral nutrition following colorectal surgery, no statistically significant difference in postsurgical complications was found, though early enteral feeding (within 24 h) tended to be favorable [18, 19]. Despite heterogeneity of the clinical studies evaluated, both reviews state the safety, feasibility and potential benefits (on postsurgical complications and the length of hospital stay) by early postoperative nutrition.…”