Tolerating clear fluids diet on postoperative day 0 predicts early recovery of gastrointestinal function after laparoscopic colectomy

Introduction A high proportion of colorectal surgery patients within an enhanced recovery pathway (ERP) do not experience complications but remain hospitalized mainly waiting for gastrointestinal (GI) recovery. Accurate identification of these patients may allow discharge prior to the return of GI function. Therefore, the objective of this study is to determine if tolerating clear fluid (CF) on postoperative day (POD) 0 was associated with uncomplicated return of GI function after laparoscopic colorectal surgery. Methods Pooled data from three prospective studies from a single specialist colorectal referral center were analyzed (2013–2019). The present study included adult patients that underwent elective laparoscopic colectomy without stoma. Postoperative GI symptoms were collected daily in all three datasets. The main exposure variable, whether CF diet was tolerated on POD0, was defined as patients drinking at least 300 mL of CF without any nausea, anti-emetics, or vomiting (CF+ vs CF−). The main outcome measure was time to GI-3 (tolerating solid diet and passage of gas or stools). Results A total of 221 patients were included in this study, including 69% CF+ and 31% CF−. The groups were similar in age, gender, and comorbidities, but the CF− patients were more likely to have surgery for inflammatory bowel disease. CF+ patients had faster time to GI-3 (mean 1.6d (SD 0.7) vs. 2.3d (SD 1.5), p < 0.001). The CF+ group also experienced fewer complications (19% vs. 35%, p = 0.009), shorter mean LOS (mean 3.6d (SD 2.9) vs. 6.2d (SD 9.4), p = 0.002), and were more likely to be discharged by the target LOS (66% vs. 50%, p = 0.024). Conclusion Toleration of CF on POD0 was associated with faster return of GI function, fewer complications, and shorter LOS. This may be used as a criteria for potential discharge prior to full return of GI function after laparoscopic colectomy within an ERP. Graphical abstract