After colorectal operations, oral feeding has been traditionally delayed to avoid an increase in the incidence of anastomotic leakage. The purpose of this paper is to prove that immediate nasogastric tube withdrawal and early oral feeding may be safe. One hundred and five patients submitted to open colorectal resection were included in this study. The mean age was 59,9 years, and mate accounted for 54%. Eight five patients were operated on for colorectal cancer. The most employed proceeding was anterior rectal were resection. Water and tea was allowed since the patient was awake. Juice and soup was offered in the next day with progression to general diet according to patient's acceptance. Fourteen patients (13%) presented nauseas and vomiting, and feeding was interrupted. There was no death in this series. Postoperative complications were noticed in 15 patients (14%). Our conclusion is that immediate nasogastric tube withdrawl and early oral feeding after elective colorectal surgery is safe and well tolerated by the majority of patients.
Colorectal surgery; Early feeding; Postoperative regimen