Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 12, 2026

Technical Considerations and Approach to Redo Foregut Surgery
04:14

Technical Considerations and Approach to Redo Foregut Surgery

Published on: September 22, 2023

Early vs. delayed feeding after pediatric gastrointestinal surgery: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Mohammed Al Blooshi1

  • 1SEHA Tawam Hospital, 6th Street, Al Jaddaf, PO Box 300100, Dubai, United Arab Emirates. mohammed.alblooshi.aa@gmail.com.

Pediatric Surgery International
|June 11, 2026
PubMed

Insights

Early enteral feeding after pediatric gastrointestinal surgery is safe and effective. It accelerates nutritional recovery, reduces infections, and shortens hospital stays, supporting its use in postoperative care.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Surgery
  • Gastroenterology
  • Clinical Nutrition

Background:

  • Early feeding post-pediatric gastrointestinal surgery is inconsistently applied due to safety concerns.
  • Anastomotic safety is a primary consideration influencing feeding protocols.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the safety and efficacy of early enteral feeding versus delayed feeding in pediatric patients undergoing intestinal anastomosis or stoma reversal.
  • To assess the impact of feeding protocols on clinical outcomes such as length of stay, complications, and nutritional recovery.

Main Methods:

  • Systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs).
  • Included patients under 18 years undergoing intestinal anastomosis or stoma reversal.
  • Compared early enteral feeding (within 48 hours) with delayed feeding.

Main Results:

  • Eight RCTs with 704 patients were analyzed.
  • Early feeding significantly reduced hospital length of stay (mean difference -3.53 days) and time to full feeds (mean difference -3.15 days).
  • No significant difference in anastomotic leakage or postoperative vomiting; however, early feeding was associated with fewer wound infections.

Conclusions:

  • Early enteral feeding is safe and beneficial after pediatric gastrointestinal surgery.
  • It accelerates nutritional recovery and reduces infectious complications.
  • Supports the integration of early feeding into standard pediatric postoperative care pathways.
Abstract

Keywords:
Enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS)Intestinal anastomosisMeta-analysisPediatric surgerySurgical site infection

Related Concept Videos

Enteral Nutrition II: Nasointestinal and Gastrostomy Feeding01:15

Enteral Nutrition II: Nasointestinal and Gastrostomy Feeding

Enteral nutrition encompasses various methods of delivering nutrition directly to the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, bypassing traditional oral intake. It is particularly beneficial for patients who cannot eat by mouth but have a functioning digestive system. Key methods include nasointestinal feeding, gastrostomy, and jejunostomy, each suited to different clinical scenarios based on the patient's needs and condition.
Nasointestinal Feeding
Nasointestinal feeding involves placing a tube through...
Endoscopic Procedures IV: Sigmoidoscopy and Laproscopy01:26

Endoscopic Procedures IV: Sigmoidoscopy and Laproscopy

Sigmoidoscopy and laparoscopy are distinct medical procedures that enable physicians to internally inspect different parts of the GI tract. Although they serve different purposes, each is essential for diagnosing and, in some cases, treating various medical conditions.
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 Feeding01:26

Enteral Nutrition I: Orogastric and Nasogastric Feeding

Enteral nutrition delivers nutrients directly to the stomach or small intestine through a tube. This method is appropriate for patients who cannot eat but still have a functioning digestive system. It is also beneficial for individuals with swallowing difficulties, anorexia, malabsorption, or those who have undergone gastrointestinal (GI) surgery.
Orogastric (OG) and nasogastric (NG) feeding are two standard methods used for enteral nutrition. Enteral nutrition is often preferred over...
Pharmacokinetics in Pediatric Patients: Overview and Drug Absorption01:23

Pharmacokinetics in Pediatric Patients: Overview and Drug Absorption

Understanding the physiological differences in the pediatric population is crucial for effective pharmacotherapy. Neonates, infants, and children exhibit significant variations in gastric pH, gastric emptying time, intestinal transit time, and biliary function. These variations profoundly affect oral drug absorption, necessitating a nuanced approach to pediatric dosing.Neonates present with a unique physiological profile, having a gastric pH greater than 4 and faster and more irregular gastric...
Peptic Ulcer Disease V: Surgical Management and Nursing Care01:25

Peptic Ulcer Disease V: Surgical Management and Nursing Care

Surgical management and nursing care are crucial in treating Peptic Ulcer Disease (PUD). Here is an organized and enhanced overview of the surgical interventions and the associated nursing care for PUD:
Surgical Interventions for Peptic Ulcer Disease