A simplified rehabilitation program for patients undergoing elective colonic surgery--randomized controlled clinical...

Area of Science:

• Colorectal surgery
• Surgical oncology
• Gastroenterology

Background:

• A simplified perioperative rehabilitation program focused on early oral nutrition was proposed for elective colonic surgery.
• The program aimed to reduce hospital stay and postoperative ileus without increasing complications or readmissions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of a simplified perioperative rehabilitation program with early oral nutrition in elective colonic surgery.
• To compare the outcomes of early feeding versus traditional care in patients undergoing colonic resection.

Main Methods:

• Fifty-four patients undergoing elective colonic surgery were prospectively randomized into an early feeding group (EFG) and a traditional care group.
• The EFG received oral liquid diet on postoperative day 1, advancing to a regular diet within 24 hours.
• The traditional care group followed standard nil per os until first flatus, then progressed to oral diets.

Main Results:

• Hospital stay was significantly lower in the EFG (4.0 days) compared to the traditional care group (7.6 days).
• Time to first flatus was significantly reduced in the EFG (1.5 days) versus the traditional care group (2.0 days).
• Diet tolerance, progression, complication rates, and readmission rates were similar between the two groups.

Conclusions:

• Early oral nutrition, combined with a simplified perioperative rehabilitation program, effectively reduces hospital stay and ileus time after elective colonic resection.
• This enhanced recovery pathway is safe, showing no increase in adverse events or readmissions.