The traditional postoperative care after abdominal surgery included the need of nasogastric tube, fasting until resumed bowel function and progressive reinstitution of oral intake from liquid to solid diet. Recent studies have shown no benefits of this traditional management over early oral feeding. Nevertheless, the researches in emergency surgery are scarce.
Within 6-24 hours after surgery the nasogastric tube will be removed and liquids and soft diet "at will" indicated.
They will have nasogastric tube and restriction of oral intake until the first sign of restoration of intestinal transit (first flatus or stool, whichever comes first). Since then withdrew nasogastric tube and liquid diet starts within 24 hours, then continues with soft diet.
Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina