The safety and feasibility of early postoperative oral nutrition on the first postoperative day after gastrectomy for gastric carcinoma.

Background: Unlike the wide acceptance of early enteral nutrition after colorectal surgery, little information is available regarding the feasibility of immediate oral nutrition after gastric cancer surgery. This study evaluated the feasibility and safety of oral nutrition on the first postoperative day after gastrectomy.

Methods: From September 2010 to March 2011, 74 consecutive gastric cancer patients received an oral diet on the first postoperative day after gastrectomy.