[Basis of early enteral feeding in the postoperative period]

Since the conception of a postoperative generalised inhibition of motility of stomach and gut has been disproved, there is a growing support for early enteral nutrition at present. The stomach should be evacuated from increased secretion by tube drainage. This should be combined with intraduodenal tube feeding. Immediately after surgery a sufficient absorption capacity of the small gut also makes early enteral nutrition possible.