Objective: to study effects of early enteral nutrition following gastrointestinal surgeries

Methods:   this is a prospective study of  sixty six patients undergoing gastrointestinal surgeries in which 33 patients(group A) , who had early feeding within 48 hrs  were compared with other 33 patients(group B) who had delayed feeding after appearance of bowel sounds and passage of flatus.Their demographical statistics were recorded, along with their clinical presentation , preoperative vitals , their post operative vitals, appearance of bowel sounds, passage of flatus and stool, post operative complications and duration of hospitals  etc and analysed using biostatistics.

Results:   Mean time for appearance of bowel sounds was 44 hours in group A and 70 hours in group B(p<0.05). Mean time for passage of flatus in group A was 55 hours and 90 hours in group B(p<0.05). Mean duration of hospital stay in group A was 7.18 days and 9.45 days in group B (p<0.05).

Conclusion: Early  enteral nutrition after gastrointestinal surgeries is well tolerated, helps in early resolution of ileus and shorten hospital stay.