A systematic review of 13 studies involving 1,556 patients revealed that early oral feeding (EOF) significantly reduces total complications after elective colorectal surgery, with an odds ratio of 0.50. Specifically, EOF decreased anastomotic leakage rates (odds ratio 0.40) and shortened hospital stays. However, an increased incidence of vomiting (odds ratio 1.58) was noted, alongside a trend toward higher nasogastric tube reinsertion rates. Overall, EOF is deemed a safe and effective postoperative practice.
Systematic Review by Lee SY and Han EC in Dig Surg
S. Karger AG, Basel.