EVALUATION OF CLINICAL OUTCOMES BETWEEN EARLY AND DELAYED ORAL FEEDING AFTER CESAREAN SECTION UNDER SPINAL ANESTHESIA
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Abstract
Objective: To evaluate the clinical and paraclinical outcomes of parturients after cesarean section under spinal anesthesia who were given early or delayed oral feeding.
Subjects and Methods: A prospective cohort study was conducted on 100 parturients, all receiving a soft liquid meat porridge diet. They were divided into two groups: the delayed feeding group (Group M), which followed the hospital’s routine protocol (oral intake initiated approximately 8 hours after surgery), and the early feeding group (Group S), which commenced oral intake 4 hours after surgery. Clinical outcomes, including time to return of bowel sounds, time to first flatus, and maternal satisfaction, as well as laboratory parameters (blood glucose and serum electrolytes before surgery and 2 hours after feeding), were recorded and analyzed.
Results: In the early feeding group, the mean time to return of bowel sounds was 7.60 ± 2.98 hours, compared with 16.84 ± 1.95 hours in the delayed feeding group (p < 0.001). Similarly, the mean time to first flatus or defecation was 9.22 ± 3.62 hours in the early feeding group versus 18.05 ± 2.96 hours in the delayed feeding group (p < 0.001). No statistically significant differences were observed in blood glucose levels or serum electrolytes between the two groups at either the preoperative time point or 2 hours after feeding (p > 0.05). Maternal satisfaction did not differ significantly between Group S and Group M (p > 0.05).
Conclusion: Early oral feeding after cesarean section is a safe and effective strategy that significantly accelerates the recovery of bowel function compared with delayed feeding. Blood glucose and electrolyte levels remain stable, indicating no postoperative metabolic or electrolyte disturbances. These findings support the implementation of early oral feeding as part of modern perioperative care to promote early recovery and improve patient-centered outcomes.
Keywords
early oral feeding, cesarean delivery, spinal anesthesia
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References
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