Objective To discuss the feasibility and safety of early oral feeding after colorectal cancer resection and early postoperative recovery condition.Methods Between January 2008 and June 2008, 128 patients diagnosed definitely as colorectal cancer were analyzed retrospectively. Fifty-six cases were treated with early oral feeding (EOF group), and 72 cases were treated with traditional feeding (TF group). The length of postoperative hospital stay, time of first flatus and defecation, and incidences of gastric retention, ileus, severe diarrhea, anastomotic leakage, wound infection, and pulmonary infection were studied and compared. Results The postoperative hospital stay, time of first flatus and defecation in EOF group were apparently shorter than those in TF group (Plt;0.05). As to the incidence of postoperative complications, EOF group had a higher incidence of gastric retention (Plt;0.05), while the differences of incidences of ileus, severe diarrhea, anastomotic leakage, wound infection, and pulmonary infection were not statistically significant between the two groups (Pgt;0.05). Early oral feeding can be tolerated by as much as 89.29% (50/56) patients. Conclusion Early oral feeding after colorectal cancer resection is safe and feasible, and can promote early rehabilitation of patients.
