Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 6, 2026

An Ivor Lewis Esophagectomy Designed to Minimize Anastomotic Complications and Optimize Conduit Function
Published on: April 17, 2020
Postoperative feeding: a clinical review
C Johnson Casto1, J Krammer, J Drake
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of South Florida, Tampa, USA.
Unlabelled:
The tradition of withholding postoperative enteral feeds until the spontaneous resolution of ileus, demonstrated by the return of flatus or bowel movement is not supported by the literature. There is an abundance of evidence from the basic science and general surgery literature that supports early feeding after surgery. This is a review of the available literature on postoperative feeding, including data from gastrointestinal physiology. We conclude that early feeding is safe and well tolerated after most obstetric and gynecologic procedures and will lead to decreased cost, shorter hospitalization, and improved patient satisfaction.
Target Audience:
Obstetricians & Gynecologists, Family Physicians
Learning Objectives:
After completion of this article, the reader will be able to summarize the current literature regarding early postoperative feeding; to identify which patients can be offered early postoperative feeding, as well as list the risks and benefits of early postoperative feeding; and to explain the normal gastrointestinal physiology after abdominal surgery.
Related Concept Videos
Peptic Ulcer Disease V: Surgical Management and Nursing Care
Surgical Interventions for Peptic Ulcer Disease
Endoscopic Procedures IV: Sigmoidoscopy and Laproscopy
Sigmoidoscopy
Sigmoidoscopy is a diagnostic procedure that uses a flexible sigmoidoscope equipped with a light source and camera to examine the rectum and sigmoid colon. The procedure involves inserting the tube through the anus...
Enteral Nutrition I: Orogastric and Nasogastric Feeding
Orogastric (OG) and nasogastric (NG) feeding are two standard methods used for enteral nutrition. Enteral nutrition is often preferred over...
Enteral Nutrition II: Nasointestinal and Gastrostomy Feeding
Nasointestinal Feeding
Nasointestinal feeding involves placing a tube through...
Peripheral Artery Disease V: Postoperative Nursing Management
Aneurysm IV: Nursing Management

