The Safety and Efficacy of Early Enteral Nutrition After Paediatric Enterostomy Closure - The EPOC Study.

Introduction: Keeping children nil by mouth until return of bowel function after intestinal anastomosis surgery is said to reduce complications. Fasting may extend up to five days, risking malnourishment and usage of parenteral nutrition. This study aims to establish the efficacy and safety of early enteral nutrition in children undergoing intestinal stoma closure.

Methodology: A retrospective cohort study of children aged three months to 16 years who underwent an intestinal stoma closure between 1/1/2019 and 31/12/2021 at two tertiary paediatric hospitals was undertaken. Children fed clear fluids within 24 h (EEN) were compared to those commencing feeds later (LEN). The primary outcome was length of post-operative stay (LOS) and secondary outcomes included: time to feeds; time to stool; and complications.

Results: Of the 129 children that underwent a stoma closure, 69 met inclusion criteria: 35 (51 %) in the LEN group and 34 (49 %) in the EEN group. Children in the EEN group had a significantly shorter LOS (92.6 h vs 121.7 h, p = 0.0045). Early feeding was also associated with a significantly decreased time to free fluids (p < 0.001) and full enteral intake (p = 0.007). There was no significant intergroup difference in complications.

Conclusion: Commencing feeding within 24 h of stoma closure is efficacious and safe, with clear reductions in LOS, time to full feeds and time to stool, and no increase in complications. Further research is required to extrapolate these findings to other populations.

Level Of Evidence: III.