6/28/2007
The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery announced today that eating soon after abdominoplasty may allow for quicker discharge after surgery.
Traditionally, postoperative management of patients undergoing abdominoplasty has involved withholding food from patients until bowel activity is demonstrated. But a study published in the May/June issue of the Aesthetic Surgery Journal investigated the impact of early feeding after abdominoplasty and challenges the traditional practice.
The study involved a retrospective review of the medical records of 22 abdominoplasty patients. One group of patients followed traditional oral intake guidelines, and the other was allowed to consume a regular diet immediately after surgery. Researchers found no statistical difference in postoperative nausea and vomiting after surgery between the two groups.
[June 28; American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery]
