Prospective trial of early feeding and bowel stimulation after radical hysterectomy

OBJECTIVE: In an attempt to decrease hospital stay we performed a prospecti ve trial of aggressive bowel stimulation and early postoperative feeding af ter radical hysterectomy. STUDY DESIGN: In a prospective trial of 20 consecutive patients undergoing class 3 radical hysterectomy, feeding of a clear liquid diet and bowel stim ulation with oral 66% sodium phosphate solution (Fleet Phospho-Soda) were i nstituted on postoperative day 1. Patients were discharged after passage of flatus or stool. RESULTS: Median time to discharge was 3.5 days. No patient had emesis, ileu s, or bower obstruction. The decrease in hospital stay with respect to thos e in our previous trial with traditional postoperative feeding and our orig inal study on postoperative bowel stimulation was statistically significant . CONCLUSION: Aggressive bowel stimulation with Fleet Phospho-Soda and early feeding after radical hysterectomy resulted in early return of bowel functi on and early discharge without significant intestinal complication.