Biljana Markovska
Hospital Plodnost – Bitola, Macedonia
Title: The benefits of early versus delayed oral food intake in patients with operations in gynecology and obstetrics
Biography
Biography: Biljana Markovska
Abstract
Statement of the Problem: Traditionally postoperative oral intake is withheld until the return of bowel function. There has been concern that early oral intake would result in vomiting and severe paralytic ileus with subsequent aspiration pneumonia, wound dehiscence, and anastomotic leakage. However, supporting scientific evidence for this traditional practice is lacking and there are potential benefits from early postoperative oral intake.
Purpose: The purpose of this study was to assess the effects of early versus delayed(traditional) initiation of oral intake of food and fluids after major abdominal gynecologic
surgery.
Methodology & Theoretical Orientation: We made a study among 300 women who had major abdominal gynecologic surgery between 1 January – 31 December 2018 in Hospital Plodnost – Bitola, Macedonia, Special hospital for gynecology and obstetrics and IVF center. They all got early oral feeding. The onset of the first postoperative spontaneous stool was observed. Also, we reviewed evidence from randomised controlled trials of early and delayed feeding after abdominal gynecologic surgery.
Conclusion & Significance: Early postoperative feeding after major abdominal
gynecologic surgery appeared to be safe without increased gastrointestinal morbidities or other postoperative complications. The benefits of this approach include faster recovery of bowel function, lower rates of infectious complications, shorter hospital stay, and higher patient satisfaction. Recommendations are the presence of nutrients to be the same as in healthy people (if condition and accompanying diseases do not require different mode). It is recommended daily intake of vitamins and minerals through fresh fruits and vegetables. Fluids (water, tea, juices) should be taken several hours after surgery, if the patient is awake, stable and with swallowing reflexes.