Early oral feeding versus nasojejunal early enteral nutrition in patients following pancreaticoduodenectomy: a propensity score-weighted analysis of 428 consecutive patients

BACKGROUND

Notwithstanding that significant medical progress has been achieved in recent years, the optimal nutritional support method following pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) remains uncertain. This study compared the safety and feasibility of early oral feeding (EOF) with nasojejunal early enteral nutrition (NJEEN) after PD.

METHODS

A retrospective cohort study was conducted on 428 consecutive patients who underwent PD between August 2018 and December 2020. During the first study phase, the routine postoperative feeding strategy was NJEEN, later replaced by EOF during the second study phase. The primary outcome was the incidence of delayed gastric emptying (DGE) following PD. Propensity score weighting was used to control for confounding factors.

RESULTS

Four hundred forty patients underwent PD during the overall study period, with 438 patients aged 18 years and older. Ten patients experienced accidental tube dislodgement or migration and were excluded from the study based on the exclusion criteria. Finally, 211 patients and 217 patients underwent EOF and NJEEN, respectively. After propensity score weighting, it was observed that patients who underwent postoperative EOF experienced a significantly lower DGE (B/C) rate compared to those who underwent postoperative NJEEN [7.38% (31/424) vs. 14.97% (62/413), P =0.0005]. Subgroup analyses according to the presence of soft pancreatic texture yielded consistent results. The EOF group exhibited lower DGE grade, DGE (B/C) rate [5.90% (11/194) vs. 22.07% (43/193), P <0.0001], postoperative gastrointestinal endoscopic intervention rate, and Clavien-Dindo Grade III or higher rate.

CONCLUSIONS

EOF is superior to NJEEN in reducing the incidence of grade B/C DGE after PD. The EOF procedure is safe and feasible and should be recommended as the optimal postoperative feeding method following PD.

Long-Term Survival Associated with Direct Oral Feeding Following Minimally Invasive Esophagectomy: Results from a Randomized Controlled Trial (NUTRIENT II)

Advancements in perioperative care have improved postoperative morbidity and recovery after esophagectomy. The direct start of oral intake can also enhance short-term outcomes following minimally invasive Ivor Lewis esophagectomy (MIE-IL). Subsequently, short-term outcomes may affect long-term survival. This planned sub-study of the NUTRIENT II trial, a multicenter randomized controlled trial, investigated the long-term survival of direct versus delayed oral feeding following MIE-IL. The outcomes included 3- and 5-year overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS), and the influence of complications and caloric intake on OS. After excluding cases of 90-day mortality, 145 participants were analyzed. Of these, 63 patients (43.4%) received direct oral feeding. At 3 years, OS was significantly better in the direct oral feeding group (p = 0.027), but not at 5 years (p = 0.115). Moreover, 5-year DFS was significantly better in the direct oral feeding group (p = 0.047) and a trend towards improved DFS was shown at 3 years (p = 0.079). Postoperative complications and caloric intake on day 5 did not impact OS. The results of this study show a tendency of improved 3-year OS and 5-year DFS, suggesting a potential long-term survival benefit in patients receiving direct oral feeding after esophagectomy. However, the findings should be further explored in larger future trials.

Early oral feeding following intestinal anastomosis surgery in infants: a multicenter real world study

Background

To prevent postoperative complications, delayed oral feeding (DOF) remains a common model of care following pediatric intestinal anastomosis surgery; however, early oral feeding (EOF) has been shown to be safe and effective in reducing the incidence of complications and fast recovery after pediatric surgery. Unfortunately, the evidence in support of EOF after intestinal anastomosis (IA) in infants is insufficient. Therefore, this study was primarily designed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of EOF. In addition, the current status of EOF application and associated factors that favor or deter EOF implementation were also assessed.

Methods

A total of 898 infants were divided into two groups (EOF group, n = 182; DOF group, n = 716), and the clinical characteristics were collected to identify the factors associated with EOF in infants. Complications and recovery were also compared to define the safety and efficacy after balancing the baseline data by propensity score matching (PSM) (EOF group, n = 179; DOF group, n = 319).

Results

The total EOF rate in infants with IA was 20.3%. Multivariate logistic regression revealed significant differences in the EOF rates based on IA site and weight at the time of surgery (OR = 0.652, 95% CI: 0.542-0.784, p < 0.001) and (OR = 1.188, 95% CI: 1.036-1.362, p = 0.013), respectively. The duration of total parenteral nutrition (TPN), parenteral nutrition (PN), and postoperative hospital stay were significantly shorter in the EOF group than the DOF group [2.0 (1.0, 2.0) d vs. 5.0 (3.0, 6.0) d; 6.0 (5.0, 8.0) d vs. 8.0 (6.0, 11.0) d; 10.0 (7.0, 14.0) d vs. 12.0 (9.0, 15.0) d, all p < 0.001]. The rates of abdominal distension and vomiting in the EOF group were significantly higher than the DOF group (17.9% vs. 7.2%, p < 0.001; 7.8% vs. 2.5%, p = 0.006); however, no differences were found in failure to initial OF, diarrhea, hematochezia, and anastomotic leakage between the two groups (p > 0.05).

Conclusion

The overall rate of EOF in infants following IA was low, and the sites of anastomosis and weight at surgery were two factors associated with EOF. Nevertheless, performing EOF in infants after IA was safe and effective, reduced PN usage, shortened the hospital stay, and did not increase the rate of severe complications.Clinical Trial Registration: ClinicalTrails.gov, identifier NCT04464057.

The feasibility of a "no tube, no fasting" fast-track recovery protocol after esophagectomy for esophageal cancer patients aged 75 and over

Objective

For elderly patients aged ≥75 with esophageal cancer, whether surgical treatment is safe and effective and whether it is feasible to use a relatively radical "no tube, no fasting" fast-track recovery protocol remain topics of debate. We conducted a retrospective analysis to shed light on these two questions.

Methods

We retrospectively collected the data of patients who underwent McKeown minimally invasive esophagectomy (MIE) combined with early oral feeding (EOF) on postoperative day 1 between April 2015 and December 2017 at Medical Group 1, Ward 1, Department of Thoracic Surgery of our hospital. Preoperative characteristics, postoperative complications, operation time, intraoperative blood loss, duration of anastomotic leakage (day), hospital stay, and survival were evaluated.

Results

Twenty-three elderly patients with esophageal cancer underwent surgery with EOF. No significant difference was observed in intraoperative measures. The incidence of postoperative complications was 34.8% (8/23). Two patients (8.7%) were terminated early during the analysis of the feasibility of EOF. For all 23 patients, the mean hospital stay was 11.4 (5-42) days, and the median survival was 51 months.

Conclusion

Patients aged ≥75 with resectable esophageal cancer can achieve long-term survival with active surgical treatment. Moreover, the "no tube, no fasting" fast-track recovery protocol is safe and feasible for elderly patients.

Management of oral feeding following total laryngectomy around the world: A YO-IFOS international study

BACKGROUND

To analyze worldwide practices regarding the initiation of oral feeding after total laryngectomy (TL).

METHODS

Online survey.

RESULTS

Among the 332 responses received, 278 from 59 countries were analyzed. Our results showed that 45.6% of respondents started water and 45.1% started liquid diet between postoperative days 7 and 10. Semi-solid feeds were initiated between days 10 and 14 for 44.9% of respondents and a free diet was allowed after day 15 for 60.8% of respondents. This timing was significantly delayed in cases of laryngo-pharyngectomy and after prior radiotherapy (p < 0.001). A greater proportion of respondents in Africa and Oceania allowed early oral feeding before day 6 as compared with the rest of the world (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Despite increasing number of publications, there is still a lack of evidence to support early oral feeding. The majority of respondents preferred to delay its initiation until at least 7 days after surgery.

Early Nasojejunal Nutrition Versus Early Oral Feeding in Patients After Pancreaticoduodenectomy: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Objective

The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that early oral feeding (EOF) is superior to early nasojejunal nutrition (ENN) after pylorus-preserving pancreaticoduodenectomy (PPPD) in terms of delayed gastric emptying (DGE).

Background

DGE is a common complication after PPPD. Although EOF after PPPD is recommended by several international guidelines, there is no randomized trial to support this recommendation.

Methods

From September 2016 to December 2017, a total of 120 patients undergoing PPPD were randomized into the ENN, EOF, or saline groups at a 1:1:1 ratio (40 patients in each group). The primary endpoint was the rate of clinically relevant DGE. Secondary endpoints included overall morbidity, postoperative pancreatic fistula, post-pancreatectomy hemorrhage, abdominal infection, length of hospital stay, reoperation rate, and in-hospital mortality.

Results

The baseline characteristics and operative parameters were comparable between the groups. The incidence of clinically relevant DGE varied significantly among the three groups (ENN, 17.5%; EOF, 10.0%; saline, 32.5%; p =0.038). The saline group had a higher clinically relevant DGE rate than the EOF group (p = 0.014). The saline group also had greater overall morbidities than the ENN and EOF groups (p = 0.041 and p = 0.006, respectively). There were no significant differences in other surgical complication rates or postoperative hospital stay. No mortality was observed in any of the groups.

Conclusions

Nutritional support methods were not related to DGE after PPPD. EOF was feasible and safe after PPPD, and additional ENN should not be routinely administered to patients after PPPD.

Clinical Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov, identifier NCT03150615.

Factors associated with the costs of hospitalization after esophagectomy: a retrospective observational study at a three-tertiary cancer hospital in China

Background

Esophageal cancer represents a major health threat in China. Esophagectomy is the standard treatment for respectable esophageal cancer. This study aimed to investigate the costs of hospitalization in esophageal cancer patients undergoing esophagectomy, and to analyze the factors influencing these costs.

Methods

A retrospective observational study which enrolled 196 patients who underwent esophagectomy from September, 2018, to April, 2019, in the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University were conducted

Results

The median inpatient cost was ￥72,772 (range, ￥49,796–128,771). Materials accounted for 39.7% of the direct medical costs, which was the highest proportion for any of the cost components. Minimally invasive esophagectomy (MIE, OR: 0.031; 95% CI: 0.005–0.209), cardiopathy comorbidity (OR: 0.344; 95% CI: 0.136–0.872), and anastomotic leak (OR: 0.012; 95% CI: 0.001–0.131) were risk factors for higher cost, while early oral feeding (OR: 3.979; 95% CI: 1.430–11.067) was a protective factor.

Conclusions

Understanding the factors associated with high hospitalization costs will help to reduce healthcare expenditure. By controlling complications and promoting early oral feeding, the economic burden on esophagectomy patients can be relieved. Further research based on a longitudinal design is needed to investigate the full costs of hospitalization associated with esophageal cancer.

Twelve-hour fasting compared with expedited oral intake in the initial inpatient management of hyperemesis gravidarum: a randomised trial

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate fasting for 12 hours compared with expedited oral feeding in hospitalised women with hyperemesis gravidarum (HG).

DESIGN

Randomised trial.

SETTING

University Hospital, Malaysia: April 2016-April 2017.

POPULATION

One hundred and sixty women hospitalised for HG.

METHOD

Women were randomised upon admission to fasting for 12 hours or expedited oral feeding. Standard HG care was instituted.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE

Primary outcome was satisfaction score with overall treatment at 24 hours (0-10 Visual Numerical Rating Scale VNRS), vomiting episodes within 24 hours and nausea VNRS score at enrolment, and at 8, 16 and 24 hours.

RESULTS

Satisfaction score, median (interquartile range) 8 (5-9) versus 8 (7-9) (P = 0.08) and 24-hour vomiting episodes were 1 (0-4) versus 1 (0-5) (P = 0.24) for 12-hour fasting versus expedited feeding, respectively. Repeated measures analysis of variance of nausea scores over 24 hours showed no difference (P = 0.11) between trial arms. Participants randomised to 12-hour fasting compared with expedited feeding were less likely to prefer their feeding regimen in future hospitalisation (41% versus 65%, P = 0.001), to recommend to a friend (65% versus 84%, P = 0.01; RR 0.8, 95% CI 0.6-0.9) and to adhere to protocol (85% versus 95%, P = 0.04; RR 0.9, 95% CI 0.8-1.0). Symptoms profile, ketonuria status at 24 hours and length of hospital stay were not different.

CONCLUSION

Advisory of 12-hour fasting compared with immediate oral feeding resulted in a non-significant difference in satisfaction score but adherence to protocol and fidelity to and recommendation of immediate oral feeding to a friend were lower. The 24-hour nausea scores and vomiting episodes were similar.

TWEETABLE ABSTRACT

Women hospitalised for hyperemesis gravidarum could feed as soon, as much and as often as can be tolerated compared with initial fasting.

Comparison of Early Oral Feeding With Traditional Oral Feeding After Total Gastrectomy for Gastric Cancer: A Propensity Score Matching Analysis

Background: The present study aimed to compare the feasibility and safety of early oral feeding (EOF) with traditional oral feeding (TOF) after radical total gastrectomy for gastric cancer.

Methods: This retrospective study included consecutive patients who underwent total gastrectomy from April 2016 and November 2018. These patients were divided into two groups, according to their postoperative feeding protocol: EOF group (n = 314) and TOF group (n = 433). Propensity score matching was used to balance the potential confounders, and 276 patients were selected from each group. The EOF group received oral diet on postoperative day one, while the TOF group were started on oral feeding after the passage of flatus.

Results: No significant differences were found in the postoperative complications (P = 0.426) and tolerance to oral feeding (P > 0.056) between the two groups. The changes in perioperative nutritional markers were also similar between the two groups (P > 0.05). The time to first passage of flatus or defecation (47.19 ± 12.00 h vs. 58.19 ± 9.89 h, P < 0.0001) and length of postoperative hospital stay (6.84 ± 2.31 days vs. 7.72 ± 2.86 days, P < 0.0001) were significantly lower in the EOF group compared to the TOF group.

Conclusion: EOF may be safe and feasible after radical total gastrectomy with faster recovery and no increased risk of postoperative complications.

A randomized controlled trial comparing early versus late oral feeding after cesarean section under regional anesthesia

Objective

To compare the return of bowel movements in regionally anesthetized women undergoing cesarean section (C-section) given Early Oral Feeding (EOF) to that of women given Late Oral Feeding (LOF). Secondary outcomes of maternal satisfaction and gastrointestinal complications were also examined.

Methods

In a single-blinded randomized controlled trial (TCTR20181202001), 148 singleton pregnant women undergoing elective C-sections with regional anesthesia were assigned to receive either EOF or LOF. Participants began to sip water at 6–8 hrs or more than 12 hrs post-operation, for EOF or LOF respectively. Participants were then placed onto a stepping diet as tolerated. Participants failing to tolerate the stepping diet or those having surgical complications were excluded from the study.

Results

After exclusion, 69 women remained in the EOF group and 67 in the LOF group. The ages of participants ranged from 19 to 42, with a mean of 32.07. There was no-loss follow up and no significant difference in patient characteristics, except the site of the surgical incision. Participants given EOF were more likely to experience bowel sound the next morning than patients given LOF (EOF 87.0%, LOF 44.8%, P-value<0.001). However, there was no difference in time to passing flatus and time to passing stool. Maternal satisfaction regarding hunger (EOF 3.78±0.91, LOF 3.24±1.01, P-value 0.002) and maternal satisfaction with postoperative consumption (EOF 4.38±0.64, LOF 4.13±0.48, P-value 0.049) were significantly higher in the EOF group. There was no difference in gastrointestinal complications between the groups (P-value 0.978).

Conclusion

The EOF group experienced an earlier return of bowel movement and greater maternal satisfaction than the LOF group, with no difference in gastrointestinal complications. These findings support the recommendation of EOF for women who undergo uncomplicated C-sections under regional anesthesia.

Safety of early oral feeding after total laparoscopic radical gastrectomy for gastric cancer (SOFTLY-1): a single-center randomized controlled trial

Objectives: The aim of this study is to explore the safety and feasibility of early oral feeding (EOF) on short-term postoperative outcomes.

Trial design: A prospective randomized non-inferiority trial.

Materials and methods: From August 27, 2015 to March 31, 2017, 100 consecutive patients with gastric cancer in Xijing Hospital were recruited. Patients undergoing total laparoscopic radical gastrectomy (TLRG) received either EOF group or delayed oral feeding (DOF group). The endpoints were anastomotic leakage, the recovery of bowel function, the postoperative complications and costs. The process of randomization used a computer-generated sequence that was kept in a sealed envelope by a nurse that did not participate in the trial. None of the participants, administrators of interventions and those assessing outcomes was blinded.

Results: Ultimately, 51 patients were in EOF group and 49 in DOF group, which both are comparable. The postoperative hospital stay in EOF group was significantly lower than DOF group (5.18±1.47 days vs 6.18±2.46 days, P=0.016). Furthermore, there was a trend for a reduction in the time of first flatus (10.3 hrs) and defecation (12.7 hrs) in EOF group compared to DOF group, but it was not statistically significant. Meanwhile, there were no significant differences in postoperative complications between two groups. One patient in the EOF group developed a fistula in the surgical remnant, which was recorded as other leakages; there was no difference between the two groups (P=0.582).

Conclusion: EOF does not seem to be more harmful than DOF, and might significantly improve the short-term outcomes for patients receiving TLRG.

Hospital Staffs' Perceptions of Postoperative Nutrition Among Colorectal Patients: A Qualitative Study

BACKGROUND

After lower gastrointestinal surgery, few patients start eating within timeframes outlined by evidence-based guidelines or meet their nutrition requirements in hospital. The present study explored hospital staffs' perceptions of factors influencing timely and adequate feeding after colorectal surgery to inform future interventions for improving postoperative nutrition practices and intakes.

METHODS

This qualitative exploratory study was conducted at an Australian hospital where Enhanced Recovery After Surgery guidelines had not been formally implemented. One-on-one semistructured interviews were conducted with hospital staff who provided care to patients undergoing colorectal surgery. Interviews lasted from 21 to 47 minutes and were audio recorded and transcribed verbatim. Data were analyzed using inductive thematic analysis. Emergent themes and subthemes were discussed by all investigators to ensure consensus of interpretation.

RESULTS

Eighteen staff participated in interviews, including 9 doctors, 5 nurses, 2 dietitians, and 2 foodservice staff. Staffs' responses formed 3 themes: (1) variability in perceived acceptability of postoperative feeding; (2) improving dynamics and communication within the treating team; and (3) optimizing dietary intakes with available resources.

CONCLUSION

Staff and organizational factors need to be considered when attempting to improve postoperative nutrition among patients who undergo colorectal surgery. Introducing a feeding protocol, enhancing intraprofessional and interdisciplinary communication, and ensuring the availability of appropriate, nutrient-dense foods are pivotal to improve nutrition practices and intakes.

Early oral feeding after colorectal surgery: A mixed methods study of knowledge translation

AIM

Evidence-based guidelines recommend early oral feeding (EOF) as prescription of an unrestricted diet within 24 hours after colorectal surgery. The present study aimed to understand local postoperative feeding practices after colorectal surgery; identify barriers to EOF implementation; select, tailor and implement stakeholder engagement strategies to facilitate EOF uptake; and evaluate changes to practice.

METHODS

A longitudinal, mixed methods study was undertaken, guided by the knowledge-to-action framework. Phase 1 assessed the nature of the problem using postoperative diet Audits 1 and 2. In Phase 2, staff interviews identified barriers to EOF implementation. Results from Phases 1 and 2 were fed back to inform Phase 3 strategies. Knowledge uptake was monitored in Audits 3 and 4. Phase 4 evaluated outcomes from Audit 5.

RESULTS

In Phase 1, median time to commencement of full diet was postoperative Days 4 and 3 in Audits 1 and 2, respectively. Phase 2 identified EOF barriers, including disparities in diet upgrade practices and variable understanding of hospital diets. In Phase 3, planned strategies were implemented to improve EOF (i) educational session describing local hospital diets; (ii) consultant decision to prescribe a full diet on operation notes; and (iii) educational sessions with nursing staff describing changes to EOF practice. In Phase 4, median time to commencement of full diet improved to postoperative Day 0. Patients prescribed a full diet on operation notes increased from 0% to 82%.

CONCLUSIONS

The present study successfully identified and overcame local barriers to improve EOF practices to align with guideline recommendations.

A systematic review of feeding practices among postoperative patients: is practice in-line with evidenced-based guidelines?

BACKGROUND

Early oral feeding after surgery is best practice among adult, noncritically ill patients. Evidenced-based guidelines (EBG) recommend commencing liquid and solid feeding within 24 h of surgery to improve patient (e.g. reduced morbidity) and hospital (e.g. reduced length of stay) outcomes. Whether these EBG are adhered to in usual clinical practice remains unknown. The present study aimed to identify the time to commencement of first oral feed (liquid or solid) and first solid feed among postoperative, noncritically ill, adult patients.

METHODS

MEDLINE, CINAHL, SCOPUS and Web of Science databases were searched from inception to June 2016 for observational studies reporting liquid and/or solid feeding practices among postoperative patients. Studies reporting a mean/median time to first feed or first solid feed within 24 h of surgery or where ≥75% of patients were feeding by postoperative day one were considered in-line with EBG.

RESULTS

Of 5826 articles retrieved, 29 studies were included. Only 40% and 22% of studies reported time to first feed and time to first solid feed in-line with EBG, respectively. Clear and free liquids were the first diet types commenced in 86% of studies. When solids were commenced, 44% of studies reported using various therapeutic diet types (e.g. light) prior to the commencement of a regular diet. Patients who underwent gastrointestinal procedures appeared more likely to experience delayed postoperative feeding.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings demonstrate a gap between postoperative feeding evidence and its practical application. This information provides a strong rationale for interventions targeting improved nutritional care following surgery.