Uncomplicated Caesarean Section: is Delayed Return to Oral Feeding Necessary?

Ezechi  O C; Kalu  Bke; Njokanma  Fo; Nwokoro  Ca; Okeke  Gce

doi:10.52981/sjms.v4i3.865

Ezechi O C Clinical Science Division, Nigerian Institute of Medical Research, Yaba Lagos
Kalu Bke Havana Specialist Hospital, 115 Akerele Extension Surulere, Lagos.
Njokanma Fo College of Medicine, Lagos State University, Ikeja Lagos.
Nwokoro Ca Havana Specialist Hospital, 115 Akerele Extension Surulere, Lagos.
Okeke Gce Havana Specialist Hospital, 115 Akerele Extension Surulere, Lagos

DOI: https://doi.org/10.52981/sjms.v4i3.865

Keywords: Caesarean Section, Oral Feeding

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To asses the feasibility and practicability of resuming oral feeding six hours after
caesarean section.
METHODS: Eighty five women undergoing primary caesarean section at proprietary hospital in
Lagos Nigeria were randomised into two groups of commencement of oral feeding six hours after
surgery and waiting for at least 24hours for bowel sounds to return.
RESULTS: In 27(64.3%) of the 42 patients in the routine feeding group, normal bowel sounds
were present about 24hours after the operation as against 37(86.0%) of 43 in the early feeding
group(X2
= 5.41;p= 0.02 , OR = 3.43 ; 1.06 – 11.5). While 93.0%(40) of the patients in early
feeding group had bowel motion within 48hours , only 69.0%(29) of the patients in the routine
feeding group had bowel motion within same period( X2
= 6.50 ; p = 0.01). The percentage of
mothers that were ambulant within 48hours were more in the early feeding group (83.7%)
compared to the routine feeding group (61.9%) -X2
= 5.12; p = 0.02). The overall gastrointestinal
morbidity among the early feeding group was higher (18.6%) compared to routine feeding group
(11.9%) but the difference was not statistically significant(X2
= 0.13; p = 0.72, OR = 1.54; CI =
0.38 – 6.33).
CONCLUSION: Early oral finding is not only feasible but practicable.

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