Feeding 'speeds surgery recovery'

Gastrointestinal surgery patients are often starved after the operation

Cancer patients recover faster from gastrointestinal surgery if given liquid food directly into the intestine, a study suggests.

The research, on 121 patients, was carried out by Cardiff University.

Its authors said widespread adoption of the practice could potentially save the NHS millions of pounds.

Oesophageal, stomach and pancreatic cancer patients usually fast, or are nil by mouth, for up to 10 days after gastrointestinal surgery.

We turned the traditional thinking to starve patients after major gastrointestinal surgery on its head and have found huge benefits Dr Rachael Barlow Cardiff University

It had been thought nutrition hampered patients' recovery.

But the latest trial suggests that theory is wrong.

It found that patients given nutrition directly into the intestine through a feeding tube recovered around three days faster than those who were fasted and only given basic hydration.

Patients also developed fewer major complications following their surgery.

The researchers believe that if liquid food is given after all major abdominal and thoracic surgery it could save the NHS millions of pounds.

Lead researcher Dr Rachael Barlow said: "In our trial we turned the traditional thinking to starve patients after major gastrointestinal surgery on its head and have found huge benefits.

"The striking find that nutrients straight after surgery meant patients recovered quicker and tended to have fewer complications has major implications for the NHS.

"It may result in a saving of millions of pounds and could mean fewer bed shortages in hospitals."

High cost

Dr Barlow said a day in an NHS general or surgical ward costs up to £400 and in an intensive care unit it can cost in excess of £1,200.

"In this economic climate of financial deficits, finding new ways of improving care is important for NHS managers.

"The next step is to find out if we can adopt the same practice in other types of surgery and we are hoping to run more clinical trials in this area."

The research will be presented to the National Cancer Research Institute Conference (NCRI).

Professor Sir Kenneth Calman, chair of the NCRI, said: "This result shows that a small change in follow up care after operations for oesophagus, stomach and pancreas cancer could benefit patients and have huge cost saving implications for the NHS.

"We look forward to seeing the results of further clinical trials to see if the same technique of food after surgery can be applied to patients who have had operations for other types of cancers."