Randomized clinical trial comparing postoperative outcomes of early versus late oral feeding after cesarean section

Aim Oral feeding is likely to have an impact on early return of normal bowel function after uncomplicated surgery including cesarean section. This study compared postoperative outcomes of early versus late oral feeding regimes after cesarean section. Methods In this clinical trial, 140 pregnant women who underwent elective cesarean section with regional anesthesia were randomized into two feeding groups. In the early oral and delayed oral feeding groups, liquid diets were commenced 2 and 8h after surgery, respectively. Patients able to tolerate the liquid diet were then gradually introduced to the regular diet. Main clinical outcomes included duration of hospital stay, time to return of normal bowel function and postoperative gastrointestinal complications. Results Time to return of bowel movement (7.8 +/- 2.9 vs 11.7 +/- 5h, P<0.0001) and time to mobilization (10.7 +/- 7.7 vs 13.5 +/- 5.9h, P=0.015) occurred significantly earlier in the early feeding group. Conclusion Early oral feeding reduces the time required for return of normal bowel function. This is without significant detrimental effects on the incidence of gastrointestinal complications.