Early feeding and discontinuation of intravenous fluid after laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

Background: Common practice at most centers in the country is to continue intravenous (IV) 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 feeing and discontinuing IV 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 IV fluid was stopped after six hr of LC. IV cannula was kept locked in situ. Vomiting, abdomen distension and reasons for continuation or resumption of IV 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) IV was continued. Postoperative nausea and vomiting was observed in 25.9% (76/294), of which 6.6% (5/76) required IV. There was no untoward affect after IV fluid was stopped.