IMPACT OF EARLY VS DELAYED ORAL FEEDING ON HOSPITAL STAY AFTER CAESAREAN SECTION UNDER REGIONAL ANESTHESIA

Abstract

Objective: To compare the impact of early versus delayed oral feeding on postoperative hospital stay and patient satisfaction after an uncomplicated cesarean section under regional anesthesia.

Study Design: Comparative prospective study.

Place and Duration of Study: Gynecology and Obstetrics department Combined Military Hospital Bannu, from Dec 2017 to Dec 2018

Methodology: Initially 215 patients were enrolled; who were planned for cesarean section under spinal anesthesia but in 8 patients spinal was converted to general anesthesia, while 7 patients refused to participate in trial. Patients were randomly allocated by lottery method to each group. Women in the early feeding group were allowed to start oral sips of fluids 2 hours post operatively while in delayed feeding group oral fluids were started after 12 hours. Primary outcome measures were hospital stay and patient satisfaction. Secondary outcome measures were nausea, vomiting, passage of flatus, and return of bowel sounds.

Results: Hospital stay was short in early feeding group being 19 ± 1.95 hours versus 29 ± 6.7 hours (p-value 0.03) in delayed feeding group. Early feeding group has higher level of satisfaction 80% as compared to 49% in delayed feeding group (p-value <0.04 ).

Conclusion: Early commencement of oral feeding after uncomplicated cesarean section under regional anesthesia is associated with short hospital stay and higher level of patient satisfaction.