Early oral feeding post gastrectomy in gastric cancer: quasi-experimental study

Objective This study aims to investigate the safety and feasibility of early oral feeding in patients with gastric cancer after gastrectomy. Methods A total of 135 patients with gastric cancer who would receive gastrectomy were enrolled in the study, with 61 in early oral feeding group and 74 in control group. Outcomes included nutrient intake, nutritional status, gastrointestinal functions and symptoms, pain, physical activity time, clinical outcomes and inflammation markers. Results In comparison with control group, patients in early oral feeding group had significantly higher compliance rates of oral energy and protein intake, lower needs of parenteral nutrition and shorter postoperative oral feeding start time during hospitalisation. Moreover, the compliance rate of oral protein intake at 1 week after discharge was higher in patients with gastric cancer of early oral feeding group compared with control group. The gastrointestinal function was better in early oral feeding group, evidenced by shorter time to the first flatus and dwell time for gastric tube. Conclusion This study demonstrated that early oral feeding is safe and can significantly improve oral energy and oral protein intake and gastrointestinal functions during hospitalisation in patients with gastric cancer who received gastrectomy, as well as the oral protein intake after discharge. Trial registration Chinese Clinical Trial Registry: ChiCTR2300069202.