The international surgical journal with global reach

This is the Scientific Surgery Archive, which contains all randomized clinical trials in surgery that have been identified by searching the top 50 English language medical journal issues since January 1998. Compiled by Jonothan J. Earnshaw, former Editor-in-Chief, BJS

Reduction of postoperative ileus by early enteral nutrition in patients undergoing major rectal surgery: prospective, randomized controlled trial. Ann Surg 2014; 259: 649-655.

Published: 23rd July 2014

Authors: Boelens P, Heesakkers FB, Luyer DP, van Barnevld KWY, de Hingh IH, Nieuwenhuijzen GA et al.

Conclusion

This study examined the addition of early enteral nutrition to normal diet in 123 patients. Enteral nutrition reduced the rate of anastomotic leak (9 vs. 1, P=0.009), and reduced overall hospital stay: mean 13.4 versus 16.7 days, P=0.007.

Pubmed Link