Effect of early diet on prophylaxis of constipation after spinal operation under general anaesthesia

Objective To investigate the influence of early diet on recovery of physical and gastrointestinal function in patients after spinal operation.Methods 120 patients were randomly divided two groups:experimental group(n=60)and control group(n=60).The experimental group began to eat 4 hoursafter the tracheal cannula being extracted post operation,while the control group did it after 24 hours.The time for eating,normal diet recovery,passage of gas by allus,and incidence of constipation in two groups after the operation were compared.Results Compared with the control group,the time for eating,normal diet recovery and passage of gas by anus were remarkably advanced and incidence of constipation was obviously decreased in the experimental group.There was significant difference between the two groups in terms of the time for eating,normal diet recovery and passage of gas by anus and incidence of constipation(P<0.05).Conclusions Early diet after spinal operation could promote recovery of gastrointestinal function,relieve abdominal distention,increase appetite and resistance,and prevent occurrence of constipation. Key words: Post spinal operation; Early diet; Constipation