Early Versus Delayed Enteral Feeding in Children After Intestinal Anastomosis: A Randomized Controlled Study

Purpose: The establishment of enteral feeding is the end point of any intestinal anastomosis.This study examined the effects of early feeding (EF) as compared to delayed feeding (DF) on postoperative outcomes after intestinal anastomosis in children.Methods: This was a randomized controlled pilot study to assess the effect of EF vs. DF in terms of time to reach full feed, along with wound infection and anastomotic leak.Results: Twenty-eight patients were enrolled in both study groups.The median time to first feed in EF was 60 hours and 96 hours in DF.The median time to first bowel sound was 42 hours in EF and 48 hours in DF (p=0.208).The median time to first bowel movement was 72 hours in EF and 72 in DF (p=0.820).The median time of postoperative hospital stay was 5.5 days in EF and 6.0 days in DF (p=0.01).There was no significant difference in complications of wound infection, wound dehiscence, relook surgery, or anastomotic leak in both groups.Conclusion: EF after intestinal anastomosis is safe and feasible in children after intestinal anastomosis.