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Erschienen in:
01.03.2020 | Original Article
Early feeding in colorectal surgery patients: safe and cost effective
Erschienen in: International Journal of Colorectal Disease | Ausgabe 3/2020
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Purpose
Enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) pathways has demonstrated improved outcomes in colorectal surgery. An important component of ERAS is early oral intake. The aim of this study is to determine the impact of early oral intake in patients following colorectal surgery.
Methods
A retrospective analysis of patients who underwent colectomy and proctectomy at an academic institution from January 2015 to November 2018 was performed. Postoperative outcomes were compared between patients who had postoperative day 0 (POD 0) oral intake and those who did not.
Results
A total of 436 ERAS patients had oral intake timing documented. The majority of patients were women (241, 55.3%) and white (313, 71.8%). The mean age was 57 ± 15.09. Patients who had early intake were found to have lower 30-day overall morbidity and length of stay (p < 0.05), and no difference in serious adverse events. Additionally, hospital costs were lower in the POD 0 feeding group for all patients (p < 0.05).
Conclusion
We have demonstrated that early oral feeding in an established ERAS pathway is associated with improved clinical outcomes as well as decreased total hospital costs. Early postoperative feeding is safe in colorectal patients and should be prioritized to decrease complications and healthcare costs.