title: Early feeding and discontinuation of intravenous fluid after laparoscopic cholecystectomy.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Common practice at most centers in the country is to continue intravenous (i.v.) fluid till morning round next day following laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC), assess patient and gradually allow oral diet. However this seems unnecessary in view of fast recovery after minimal invasive LC. The aim of this study was to observe the prospects and assess the acceptability, safety and benefit of early oral feeding and discontinuing i.v. fluid after LC.
  
  
  METHODS
  This cross-sectional observational study was carried out prospectively from Oct 1, 2009 to Sep 31, 2010 at Patan Hospital, a university teaching hospital. All elective LC patients were included. Oral liquid was introduced after four hours and i.v. fluid was stopped after six hr of LC. I.v. cannula was kept locked in situ. Vomiting, abdomen distension and reasons for continuation or resumption of i.v. fluids were recorded.
  
  
  RESULTS
  During one year period 294 LC patients fulfilled study criteria. Average age was 40.8 years. Female accounted for 78.2%. Oral fluid was started in average of 5.5 hrs in 97%. In 3% (9/294) i.v. was continued. Postoperative nausea and vomiting was observed in 25.9% (76/294), of which 6.6% (5/76) required i.v.. There was no untoward affect after i.v. fluid was stopped.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Early oral feeding and discontinuing of intravenous fluid in laparoscopic cholecystectomy is safe, economic and well accepted by patients, family and nursing staff in Patan hospital.
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, Patan Hospital, Patan Academy of Health Science, Lalitpur, Kathmandu, Nepal. drjaywufei@gmail.com
authors.forename: J N
authors.initials: JN
authors.lastname: Shah
authors.forename: S B
authors.initials: SB
authors.lastname: Maharjan
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Manandhar
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Paudyal
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Shrestha
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Shah
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Lamichhane
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002648:Child; D017081:Cholecystectomy, Laparoscopic; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005247:Feeding Behavior; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007262:Infusions, Intravenous; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009390:Nepal; D010288:Parenteral Nutrition; D011182:Postoperative Care; D011446:Prospective Studies; D028761:Withholding Treatment; D055815:Young Adult