Improved early alimentation after radical hysterectomies without the traditional use of stomach tube.

Energy and protein intake was studied for 12 days after radical hysterectomy in 16 patients, half of whom followed a traditional postoperative regimen (i) including a stomach tube until air-passage had taken place after which liquid food, protective food and full diet was gradually introduced. In the new regimen (ii) the stomach tube was not used, liquid alimentation was given from the first postoperative day and full diet as soon as the patient desired it. This early start of oral alimentation was well tolerated, without side effects. Compared with the conventional regimen, it resulted both in a higher average protein intake (i: 31 g protein/day, ii: 46 g protein/day, p less than 0.02) and in a higher energy intake (i: 3624 kJ/day, ii: 4956 kJ/day, p less than 0.01).