A standardized feeding regimen for hypertrophic pyloric stenosis decreaseslength of hospitalization and hospital costs

Background/Purpose: Before the institution of a standardized feeding regime n (SFR) for hypertrophic pyloric stenosis (HPS) at the authors' institution , the postoperative feeding regimen and, thus, the length of hospitalizatio n for HPS patients was variable. The aim of this study was to evaluate whet her a SFR would affect the length of hospitalization or hospital costs for HPS patients. Methods: A 5-year retrospective analysis was performed on 242 patients who underwent pyloromyotomy via a standard right upper quadrant incision. The l ength of hospitalization and hospital costs were compared in these patients before and after the institution of a standardized postoperative feeding r egimen. Results: The SFR decreased total length of hospitalization by 19.4% (3.1 da ys v 2.5 days, P = .002), postoperative length of stay by 21% (1.9 days v 1 .5 days, P < .001), total costs by 11.9% (P = .05), direct costs by 7.7% (P = .22), and indirect costs by 18.6% (P = .003). This occurred despite a sm all increase in costs per day. The SFR did not change the complication rate (5.3% before SFR v 6.1% after SFR, P = 1.0). Conclusion: A postoperative standardized feeding regimen for patients with HPS decreased length of hospitalization and hospital costs without adverse effects. Copyright (C) 2000 by W.B. Saunders Company.