Early feeding after major non-laparoscopic gynaecological surgery did not increase gastrointestinal symptoms
QUESTION: Is an early low residue diet after major non-laparoscopic gynaecological surgery for benign indications associated with increased postoperative ileus or other gastrointestinal symptoms when compared with conventional postoperative dietary management?
Design
Randomised (unclear allocation concealment), unblinded, controlled trial with follow up at hospital discharge.
Setting
A university hospital in Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA.
Patients
150 women who had major abdominal or vaginal non-laparoscopic gynaecological surgery for benign indications. Exclusion criteria were history of malignancy, inflammatory bowel disease or obstruction, or current or previous surgery involving extensive lysis of bowel adhesions. 93% of women (46% white, 36% Hispanic) were included in the final analysis.
Intervention
67 women received early feeding and were offered a low residue diet within 6 hours of arrival on the ward. 72 women received conventional dietary management of late feeding and received only ice chips in the immediate postoperative period, …
