Abstract
Background: There are few reports about postoperative oral feeding after gastrectomy. Aims: To evaluate whether gradual introduction is necessary after distal gastrectomy. Methods: From January 2009 to September 2011, 204 patients with distal gastrectomy were studied. The 104 patients from January 2009 to February 2010 began a liquid diet on the fifth day (Group A). The 100 patients from March 2010 to September 2011 began a solid diet on the fifth day (Group B). All of the patients were monitored for length of hospitalization, complication, and so on. Results: The incidence of complication occurred equally in both groups (19% vs 20%, p=0.889). But the questionnaire showed high patientsʼ satisfaction, and the duration of hospitalization in Group B was significantly shorter than those in GroupA (12days vs 10days, p<0.01).
Conclusions: Starting from solid intake after distal gastrectomy is safe and effective in improving patientsʼ satisfaction and reducing the duration of hospitalization.
