Effect of 2hrs versus 6hrs Oral Feeding on Recovery of Normal Bowel Functions after Caesarean Section Performed under Regional Anesthesia: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Background: Recovery of gastrointestinal tract normal movement following cesarean section usually starts within 2–3 hours. Full recovery occurs between 48–72 hours in most cases. Objective: To compare the effect of early postoperative oral feeding to late oral feeding on the return of bowel movements in women who had a cesarean section (C-section) under spinal anesthesia. Patients and Methods: We included One hundred and Forty patients delivered by Cesarean Section under spinal anesthesia; the patients were randomly assigned into two groups: Group I, 70 patients with early oral hydration, and 70 patients in Group II received oral fluids (2 hours postoperatively), beginning with water. The amounts were according to their needs; intravenous fluids were given beside and till the return of intestinal movements. Group II (control group) 70 women: these received water after 6 hours postoperatively. Results: There was a statistically significant difference between the two groups as regards time to first flatus (hours) when the p-value was <0.05. Group I (early oral hydration group) shows a shorter duration to first flatus than group II (late oral hydration group). There was a statistically significant difference between the two groups regarding postoperative hospital admission(hours) with the p-value <0.05. Group I (early oral hydration group) shows a shorter duration of post-C-Section hospital stay than group II (late oral hydration group). Conclusion: This study indicated that early oral hydration in patients who underwent cesarean section enhances early gastrointestinal motility, shortens the hospitalization duration, and decreases inpatient care costs.Trial registration number: PACTR202209687644401.