Early Feeding Safe After Esophagectomy for Cancer Patients

Early oral feeding after esophagectomy is safe and leads to better recovery outcomes.

No increase in anastomotic leakage (risk ratio 0.89) noted.
Early feeding significantly reduces pneumonia (risk ratio 0.66) and accelerates gastrointestinal recovery—first bowel movement and flatus occur about half a day earlier.
Hospital stays shortened by nearly two days (1.89 days) with associated lower costs.

Consider implementing early feeding protocols to enhance patient recovery while maintaining safety.

Review by Paudel N, Jha A (…) Awan NU et 9 al. in J Gastrointest Surg

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