EARLY ENTERAL NUTRITION AFTER SURGICAL TREATMENT OF GUT PERFORATIONS

Abstract

Background: A 'nil by mouth' (NBM) approach after major gastrointestinal
(GI) surgery has been well known for many years. Early enteral nutrition (EN),
as opposed to the conventional NBM and intravenous fluids (IVF) approach,
has received increasing attention in recent years.1 A period of starvation (“nil
by mouth”) is common practice after gastrointestinal surgery during which an
intestinal anastomosis has been formed.The widespread practice of starving
patients in the immediate period after gastrointestinal surgery has been
challenged by this prospective study. Aim and objectives: This study is aimed
at investigating the benefits of early oral feeding / early enteral nutrition to
patients who undergo surgical treatment for the gut perforations, especially with
regard to the time of Paralytic ileus recovery, period of hospital stay, tolerance
to diet, nutritional status of the patient and nitrogen balance (NB) rate in postsurgery. Material and Methods: This prospective randomized study is carried
out in MGM medical college and Hospital, Aurangabad between May 2012 and
May 2015In the subjects belonging to Test Group, feed was started on the
POD-2 irrespective whether the patient passed flatus or motionSubjects in
Group B were assessed for the feasibility of oral intake on the fifth
postoperative day and those found suitable were given sips of an appetising
liquid. Result: tsThe analyses of the results indicate that even after generalised
peritonitis the gastrointestinal tract recovers its tone and function within 48
hours. Conclusion: early enteral feeding significantly reduces the incidence of
wound infection, paralytic ileus and pain in post-operative patients of
Perforation Peritonitis